Law enforcement agencies are targeting senior BNP leaders capable of mobilizing activists, as Bangladesh’s political scene heats up ahead of a verdict on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
It is a change from the tactic of mass arrests of opposition activists that was used during previous bouts of political confrontation, police officials asking for anonymity said, adding that the general supporters would not be able to organize themselves in the absence of leading figures.
BNP leaders say mass arrests are already taking place and over 1,100 of their activists have been detained since January 28. They say the arrests will not weaken planned protests.
However, police say they will do whatever it takes to protect people’s lives and property and they are continuing their drives based on intelligence reports to prevent any untoward incident after Khaleda’s verdict is delivered. Many BNP activists are also under surveillance.
Senior BNP leader Gayeswar Chandra Roy, Assistant Organizing Secretary Onindo Islam Omit, Khaleda’s adviser Amanullah Aman, party’s executive committee member Nazim Uddin Alam, central information affairs secretary Azizul Bari Helal, and BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel have been detained, among others.
Of the aforementioned names, police claim all have been arrested in connection with “specific charges.” The detentions followed an attack on a police van by BNP activists at the High Court intersection on January 30, when the activists snatched two of their peers. Three cases regarding the incident have been filed against BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel.
Awami League leaders and activists say they are making preparations to prevent the BNP from occupying the streets at any cost.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said anyone creating unrest or breaking the law will face legal action and law enforcement agencies will tackle any attempt to create chaos with an iron hand.
District police chiefs have been ordered to remain alert, set up checkposts at important locations in their areas, intensify patrols and raids, and ratchet up security at important establishments as precautionary measures.
Police fear that important government establishments and the transportation sector could be targeted, and social media may be used to spread misinformation.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said: “There is no arrest spree. People are being detained during regular drives.”
Three activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami’s wing student Islami Chhatra Shibir were detained with a large number of Molotov cocktails from Dhaka’s Kafrul on Sunday. Police say the activists were planning acts of sabotage.
Furthermore, at least 80 leaders and activists of BNP-Jamaat were also detained in nine districts across Bangladesh on Sunday night. Cases were filed against 551 BNP-Jamaat members in these districts.
