Banned AL men bring out flash procession in Dhanmondi

A group of banned Awami League supporters brought out a flash procession in the capital's Dhanmondi this afternoon (31 August), surprising and shocking commuters and locals, say sources.

The showdown took place on Dhanmondi-27 road at around 3:15pm, according to sources in law enforcement agencies.

Some unverified videos, obtained from different sources, showed that while holding banners and chanting slogans, the Awami League supporters suddenly gathered on the street, started the procession, and went towards the Kabi Nazrul Institute. There, they held position for a few minutes, chanted slogans, and then dispersed in nearby alleyways very quickly.

Dhanmondi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ka Shai Nu Marma confirmed to The Business Standard that they have received information about such a showdown.

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 in the face of mass protests. Since then, Awami League and its wings have been staging protests by bringing out such short-lived processions.

This was the model of protests that opposition parties, including BNP, had adopted in the face of strict obstructions during the Awami League regime. Gather in a location, bring out a procession, quickly take photos and videos, and then disappear in adjacent alleys after immediately dispersing.

"We received news about Awami League leaders and activists bringing out a procession. However, no one was detained or arrested after we visited the scene," said the Dhanmondi police OC regarding today's incident.

Eyewitnesses recount

Locals said three crude bombs exploded during the incident.

Md Saikat, an employee of New Life Pharmacy on Dhanmondi 27 Road, told TBS, "Around 3pm, some people marched shouting 'Joy Bangla' slogans. 

A short distance ahead, opposite the Shwapno super shop, three crude bombs exploded. Then they ran away."

Md Tuhin, a florist on the right side of Dhanmondi 27 Road, said, "Over a hundred Awami League leaders and activists brought out a procession. After that, three crude bombs went off. Out of fear, we abandoned our shops and ran over to the back."

When asked whether any law enforcement members were present at the time, he said, "No, there were no police when the procession was happening. After they left, two police vehicles arrived."

Abdur Salam, a security guard opposite the Shwapno super shop on 27 Road, told TBS, "I saw a large crowd running around. Then I came outside and saw a procession chanting 'Joy Bangla, Joy Bangla.' After that, there were two or three sounds like bombs exploding. Later, I heard they had blasted crude bombs and fled. Out of fear, we closed the gates of our house."

On visiting the spot, it was seen that police have been deployed in the area since the incident. 

Two police vehicles were stationed on the road, while officers were also posted at the road's entry point.