Three more cases were filed on Friday in connection with the clashes between police and protesters over the "Salana Jalsha" of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in Panchagarh on March 3 that left two dead and over 50 injured.
SM Sirajul Islam Huda, superintendent of police (SP) of the district, confirmed the news to UNB saying that the victims filed the cases on Friday. With these, the total number of cases now stands at 16.
Meanwhile, eight more people were arrested in connection with the deaths, arson attacks and looting in the Ahmadiyya houses in Ahmednagar area. A total of 173 people have so far been arrested.
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The accused were arrested after checking video footage and reports of the intelligence, the SP said, adding that no innocent persons would be arrested.
On the other hand, members of law enforcement agencies were on high alert centering Friday's Jummah prayers to ward off any unexpected incident further. A good number of police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel were deployed at important city points and two mosques of the Ahmadiyya community, the police official said.
Surveillance by the intelligence was increased in the district to avoid any unwanted incident, he said, adding that the police and RAB were continuing drives to nab more suspects.
Also Read: What does Bangladesh Constitution say about Ahmadiyyas?
Deputy Commissioner Md Jahurul Islam, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masudul Hoque and Sadar police station OC Abdul Latif Miah, among others, visited various spots in the district town on Friday and inspected the prevailing situation on the ground.
On March 3, two people were killed and at least 50 others were injured in the clash that ensued as the police interrupted a procession of several Islamist groups demanding suspension of the annual event of the Ahmadiyya community and that they be declared non-Muslims officially.
