Awami League's plans for founding anniversary events foiled: DMP commissioner

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has foiled plans by the banned Awami League to hold processions, rallies and gatherings in the capital on its founding anniversary, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said.

Speaking at a briefing today (23 June) on security arrangements for the upcoming Holy Ashura and the Tazia procession at Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka, the commissioner said police had intensified security measures across the city based on intelligence reports.

Responding to a question about the Awami League's founding anniversary, he said law enforcement agencies had received information that members and supporters of the activities-banned party might attempt to organise processions, rallies or gatherings at different locations in Dhaka.

"We had intelligence reports that a banned party might bring out processions, hold rallies, or gather in various places of Dhaka city today on the occasion of its founding anniversary," he said.

The commissioner said DMP had strengthened checkpoints across the city over the past three days, particularly at entry points to Dhaka.

Police also increased the number of pickets, mobile patrols and foot patrols, while plainclothes surveillance was intensified.

He said police searched locations considered vulnerable to such activities, including messes, hotels and other establishments, and arrested several leaders and activists during the drives.

"By arresting a few, it seemed to us that they wanted to put the government in an embarrassing situation and deteriorate law and order through today's processions, rallies or gatherings. DMP members have foiled their plan so far, and I hope that within the remaining time, they will not be able to bring out a procession, hold a rally or gather anywhere," he said.

Replying to another question, the commissioner referred to recent cocktail explosions linked to an Awami League procession and said police had taken extensive measures in response.

"We have taken all-out measures regarding the cocktail explosions from the Awami League's procession. A case has been filed over the incident, and we have arrested several individuals from that procession and in the period afterwards," he said.

He added that the incident had raised concerns about possible acts of sabotage.

"One thing has become apparent to us from the cocktail explosions – they might have a plan for some form of sabotage. We did not get an opportunity to confirm this. However, since they exploded cocktails in the procession, we are fairly certain that they might carry out sabotage if given an opportunity," he said.

The DMP commissioner said police surveillance would continue to prevent anyone from entering Dhaka to carry out sabotage or organise processions, rallies or gatherings.