Police detained several leaders and activists of the BNP from the Nakhalpara area of Dhaka on Sunday afternoon.
BNP leaders said they were “offering prayers” at the home of missing BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon when police burst in and detained 15 people.
Sajedul Islam Sumon has been missing since 2013.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Tejgaon division Deputy Commissioner Md Shahidullah told Dhaka Tribune police had received a tip-off that BNP leaders and activists were holding a secret meeting at the house.
“We conducted the raid based on the tip-off,” the DMP deputy commissioner said.
More information can be revealed after the detainees are interrogated at the police station, he added.
BNP Dhaka North Convenor Amanullah Aman, who attended the program, said the meeting to offer prayers had been organized as Sumon’s mother has long been suffering from illness and was recently hospitalized.
BNP Dhaka North Secretary Aminul Haque said more than 150 leaders and activists of the party attended the prayer meeting.
BNP Chairperson's Press Wing Officer Shamsuddin Didar told the Dhaka Tribune: “Leaders and activists were locked in the house for about an hour. At first, we knew that 20-25 had been detained and taken to the police station. So far, we know 15 Leaders and activists have been detained. The police did not tell us anything about the case in which they were detained.”