3,000 AL men held this year for 'disrupting law and order' through flash processions: DMP

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested nearly 3,000 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations this year for allegedly attempting to disrupt law and order through flash processions in the capital.

The figure was disclosed by DMP Media Wing Deputy Commissioner (DC) Talebur Rahman during a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road this afternoon (31 October).

"This cannot be termed as a crackdown," Talebur said in response to a question. "We are arresting those who join flash processions and engage in unlawful activities. After verifying the allegations, they are sent to jail through court orders."

According to DMP, many of the arrested individuals were outsiders who had come to Dhaka with the intent to create panic and assert their presence.

Asked whether participants were being paid to join the processions, the DC said, "No one would come to Dhaka for such processions without financial support for food and accommodation. We have information that various groups are offering such financial assistance, and those funding these activities will be brought under the law."

He also mentioned that several crude bomb explosions occurred during the processions. "Many were caught red-handed with explosives. These were made in a highly dangerous manner, intended to create panic among the public," he said.

DC Talebur further noted that 244 people were arrested on one day and 131 on another, attributing the success to increased police surveillance.

"As the national election draws closer, political activities are naturally intensifying," the officer said, assuring that "there is no reason to panic. The DMP has the capacity to prevent any subversive activity."

He added that law enforcement agencies remain on alert amid concerns that the situation could heat up further ahead of the upcoming polls.