A Dhaka court has sent 45 people to jail in connection with the attack and vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon, carried out in protest against the launch of the National Equipment Identification Register (NEIR), which makes mobile handset registration mandatory.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ishrat Jennifer Jerin rejected the bail petitions of the accused and ordered their detention on Friday.
The investigating officer had sought to send all 45 to jail, a plea the court accepted.
Prosecution Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam confirmed the development.
Defence lawyer Advocate Sagar Topadar argued for bail for 39 of the accused, while two other lawyers separately sought bail for the remaining six.
According to police, the arrested individuals, along with absconding accused numbered 46 to 54 and 500 to 600 unidentified people, attacked the BTRC building—classified as a key state installation—and vandalised property, including a staff bus. Investigators said the attack was carried out as part of a conspiracy to create panic among the public.
The case statement said mobile phone traders had previously staged protests over various demands, prompting several meetings with the BTRC chairman.
Following a final decision by the authorities, the NEIR system was formally launched on Thursday. Enraged by the launch, the protesters attacked the BTRC building. The plaintiff claimed the vandalism caused damage estimated at Tk20 million.
A 51-seat BTRC staff bus was also attacked, with losses estimated at Tk100,000.
Police said the accused gathered in front of the BTRC building around 3:30pm on Thursday, chanted provocative slogans, and, in a premeditated move to disrupt public order, vandalised glass walls and public property. During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted their involvement.
As the arrested individuals are from outside the jurisdiction of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, their identities could not be immediately verified. Police said efforts are ongoing to verify their details and identify direct and indirect instigators. Investigators also argued that releasing the accused on bail could hamper the investigation, citing the risk of absconding.
The case was filed by BTRC Assistant Director Muhammad Ashrafuzzaman Jahed with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station.
Police and army personnel jointly carried out the arrests following the incident.
