Police baton charged on a human chain organised by leftist activists in Rangpur and arrested 10 of them on Sunday.
Activists under the banner of Pragatishil Chhatra Jote formed the human chain in front of the Rangpur Press Club to press home their five point demands including the removal of the current health minister.
According to eye-witnesses and members of the leftist unions, police intervened at the program just after it began around 12pm and snatched the banners and festoon from the activists.
After being beaten up by police, most of the activists escaped to the CPB-BASOD office on the second floor of the Press Club building and policemen barred their exit.
Around 12:30pm, some plain clothed officers took 10 of them to Kotwali police station. The arrestees include Chhatra Union leader Nahid and Bishal and Chatra Front leader Kollan and Shubho, said the activists.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC)Abdur Rashid said: "Police arrested them as they were trying to create a political anarchy amid the coronavirus crisis prevailing in the country."
Activists from the human chain said Rangpur police attacked the peaceful human chain without any reason.
Terming the incident as an attack on citizens' democratic right, the activists demanded immediate release of the arrestees.