A Dhaka court on Friday sent 52 people to jail over allegations of plotting sabotage and terrorist activities in Bashundhara Residential Area in connection with programs planned to mark August 15.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order following an application by investigation officer SI Md Hafizur Rahman of Vatara police station. SI Kamal Hossain of the Prosecution Department confirmed the matter.
Two juveniles among those arrested were sent to the Tongi Juvenile Development Centre in Gazipur,
Those sent to jail are Jubo League leaders Motalib and Mehejabeen Akter Mala, Rubel, GK Masud, Antar Mia, Ramzan, Mamun, Mithu alias Amir Hossain, Abdur Rahman alias Abdullah, Sumon Mia, Arif Mia, Mostak Mia, Saim Hossain, Zahid Hasan, Shahin Hossain Emon, Limon Khan, Dewan Ismail, Fahim Mia, Ratan, Rabbi alias Rafi, Ratul Shil, Minarul Mia, Masud Rana alias Limu, Jihad Hasan, Abu Saim alias Sayem Babu, Fahim, Shakil Mia, Rajib, Sunny, Rajan Mia, Md Tarek, Tarek, Shahin, Faisal, Mamun Mia, Munna, Tamzid Mia Nayan, Yasin, Jamil, Rakibul Hasan Ratul, Faisal, Siam, Sharif, Sadikur Rahman Payel, Shahin Alam, Abdul Ali Babu, Anik, Tarikul Islam, A Rahman, Yamin Mia, Atik and Ashik.
According to the arrest application, police raided a second-floor flat on Road 28 in M Block of Bashundhara Residential Area under Vatara police station on Thursday night.
Several people fled after spotting the police, while 52 people were detained.
Police claimed the detainees were affiliated with the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including Jubo League, Jubo Mohila League and banned Chhatra League.
They had allegedly gathered to plan sabotage and terrorist activities as part of programs marking August 15, according to police.
Police said they seized two iPhones, a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and three banners during the raid.
The banners referred to plans to hold a discussion meeting and milad mahfil to mark August 15. Some also carried photographs of leaders and activists of the organizations, police said.
According to the case documents, the accused allegedly chanted anti-government slogans and planned to create instability and panic in the country through political programs.
They were also accused of aiding sabotage and terrorist activities, conspiracy and attempting to commit offences.
The arrest application said police were obtaining information and evidence related to the allegations through preliminary questioning and investigation.
Police sought to keep the accused in jail until the investigation was completed, citing the need for further questioning and fears that they might go into hiding if released on bail.
The court subsequently ordered that the accused be shown arrested and sent to jail.
The accused were not produced before the court on Friday, and no bail petition was filed on their behalf.