Crude bombs exploded at banned Awami League's flash procession in Shyamoli, 6 held
The explosions occurred when police intervened and detained six people at the scene, say police
Some crude bombs were exploded during a flash procession by activists of the banned Awami League in the capital's Shyamoli area today (16 September).
The explosions happened when police intervened and detained six people at the scene, confirmed Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Emaul Haque.
He said that around 8am, at least 70-80 Awami League activists started the procession at Shishu Mela intersection and moved towards the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"When police reached the scene, the protestors set off the bombs and dispersed in a hurry. Later, six people were detained after a chase," the OC said.
At the time, some others on motorcycles continued chanting slogans, such as "Joy Bangla", he added.
Police seized one motorcycle and a mobile phone from the detainees. "Legal action will be taken against them after proper investigation," said OC Emaul.
Responding to media reports that the detainees were snatched away by banned Awami League activists, OC Emaul told The Business Standard, "Several of our policemen were present when some Awami League people were preparing for a procession. Noticing police presence, a person exploded a crude bomb."
"Police detained that person along with five others. Later, several members of the banned party arrived on motorbikes. When police tried to detain them, a scuffle broke out. At one stage, they fled the scene. However, those we had already detained could not escape," he added.
After the Hasina regime's ouster following last year's uprising, the party and its affiliate organisations were banned by the interim government in May this year amid mass protests. Since then, the Awami League and its wings have been staging protests through short-lived processions.
This protest model was similar to that used by opposition parties, including BNP, during the Awami League regime—gather at a location, bring out a procession, quickly take photos and videos, and then disappear in nearby alleys after dispersing.
