22 arrested over 'secret meeting' of banned AL, BCL leaders; army major in custody

Police have arrested 22 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, its student wing Chhatra League, and other affiliated organisations in connection with a secret meeting recently held at Bashundhara residential area.

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of DMP's Media and Public Relations Division, confirmed that the arrestees are currently in jail.

In addition, the Bangladesh Army has taken Major Sadique into custody after reports surfaced on social media and in the press alleging his involvement in training Awami League activists.

Brigadier General Md Nazim-Ud-Daula, Director of Military Operations at Army Headquarters, confirmed the matter during a press briefing on Thursday at Officers' Mess 'A' in Dhaka Cantonment, reports UNB. 

"We are aware of the issue concerning Major Sadique. He is currently in army custody, and an investigation is underway," said Brig Gen Nazim.

"If his involvement is proven, the army will take action in accordance with existing regulations. Since the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Police have filed a case with Bhatara Police Station over the incident.

The 'secret meeting': What we know

According to police, the banned Chhatra League organised a secret meeting on 8 July at a convention centre near Bashundhara.

The meeting, held from 10 am. to evening, was attended by 300 to 400 people, including members of the banned Chhatra League, Awami League, and some retired government officials.

During the gathering, participants reportedly chanted anti-government slogans. Police say the meeting aimed to mobilise supporters across the country to gather in Dhaka upon receiving instructions from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The plan was to occupy the Shahbag intersection and create unrest and fear among the public, paving the way for Hasina's return.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police is currently investigating the case.

DB sources said the arrestees include leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and other affiliated organisations.

Many of them were members of WhatsApp groups such as 'Tara Priyo Swadesh', 'F 71 Guerrilla', 'Bangabandhu Generation', 'Generation 71', and 'Sheikh Hasina'.

An intelligence agency found that the meeting was part of a plot to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country.

Based on their findings, Jubo League leader Sohel Rana was arrested on 12 July from a house in the Uttara West police area.

Awami League leader Shamima Nasrin (Shampa) was arrested the same day from another house in the same locality. Her husband is a senior official at the Directorate General of Health Services.

Following their arrests, a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act was filed at Bhatara Police Station on 13 July.

According to law enforcement sources, Sohel Rana and Shampa were interrogated together and their statements were verified.

Based on their information, Major Sadiqul Haque, also known as Major Sadique, was identified as a participant in the meeting and taken into custody.

Sources say Sohel and Shamima admitted that Major Sadique instructed them to rent the second floor of the convention centre on Road No. 7, E-Block, Bashundhara, to organise grassroots Awami League activists from across the country and train them for acts of sabotage.

On that day, Major Sadique allegedly provided training focused on overthrowing the government.

The manager of the convention centre, Mujahid, has also been arrested, according to DB sources. Investigators say he deliberately shut down all CCTV cameras in the hall for the entire day.

They claim that sabotage training was provided to Awami League and Chhatra League members during the event.

At least four similar training sessions were reportedly held earlier in other areas of Dhaka, though all related video footage has been destroyed.

A DB officer involved in the investigation said authorities are using technology to verify the involvement and presence of those arrested.

Others will also be remanded for face-to-face interrogation to cross-check findings.

A manhunt is underway to arrest everyone connected to the alleged conspiracy.