A heightened security presence has been established around the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka in response to the banned organization Hizb ut-Tahrir's “March for Khilafah” program, with law enforcement agencies maintaining a strict stance in the area since Friday morning.
As usual, worshippers began arriving at the mosque ahead of the Jummah prayers. However, this Friday's situation differed significantly from regular Fridays. Considering Hizb ut-Tahrir's program and the country's security situation, security measures around the mosque were further intensified.
Police, along with the Rapid Action Battalion and other law enforcement units, conducted thorough searches of individuals entering the mosque.
Both bodies and bags were inspected to prevent any suspicious or dangerous items from being brought into the premises.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has long been operating covertly, but recently it has started participating openly in anti-government activities.
Notably, since August 5, the group has initiated various programs against the government, including rallies, roundtable discussions, and protests over different demands. The organization has also conducted activities in Chittagong.
Hizb ut-Tahrir called for its “March for Khilafah” program to be held at the northern gate of the mosuqe on Friday. To promote this event, it distributed leaflets and put up posters in different areas, including Dhaka University.
However, as Hizb ut-Tahrir is a banned organization under Bangladeshi law, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) prohibited the event.
The Bangladesh government banned Hizb ut-Tahrir in 2009.
Since then, any activities, including meetings, processions, rallies, posters, or leaflets by the organization, have been considered criminal offences.
DMP (Media) Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Talebur Rahman said: “The program of the banned organization will not be allowed to succeed. Legal action is being taken against them.”
