Bangladesh Police Arrest 53 Leaders and Activists of Awami League in Dhaka

New Delhi, August 14: Bangladesh police have arrested at least 53 leaders and activists of the Awami League party and its affiliated organizations. Local media reports indicate an increasing crackdown on the Awami League and its supporters.

According to a press release from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), these individuals were apprehended on Thursday night from a building in the Bashundhara residential area of Dhaka.

Citing the Bhatar police station in the capital, the DMP stated that Awami League leaders and activists had gathered to hold a preparatory meeting and flash march in connection with the National Mourning Day on August 15.

As reported by the prominent Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo, police from the Bhatar police station later conducted a drive and detained the 53 individuals. The DMP confirmed that legal action is underway against those arrested.

Bangladesh observes August 15 as National Mourning Day in memory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is referred to as the ‘Father of the Nation.’ He was assassinated on August 15, 1975, along with several family members.

The Awami League condemned the arrests on Friday, stating that this action demonstrates the diminishing space for democratic rights and the freedom to celebrate religious or national occasions in the country.

The party remarked, “The inhumane arrest of male and female workers wearing black badges and white Punjabi attire to commemorate the Father of the Nation, and labeling them as ‘anti-national’ elements, is a prime example of the BNP’s politically bankrupt and vindictive attitude.”

The Awami League accused the current BNP government of being so fearful of losing power that it now deems even a simple meeting or dinner as an ‘anti-national conspiracy.’

The party added, “While people are grappling with soaring prices of essential goods, severe load shedding, and a significant decline in law and order, unprecedented repression is being unleashed on dedicated Awami League workers at all levels to distract the public from these issues.”

Regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, the Awami League noted that new bomb attacks and terrorist activities are occurring from Savar and Ashulia to various parts of the country, while police are busy seizing ‘black mourning badges and placards’ for the National Mourning Day.

The party stated, “Instead of ensuring public safety, the police are being transformed into a biased force to suppress political opponents.”