Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed on Tuesday said law enforcers have thwarted the attempt of the supporters of Awami League (now facing a ban on its activities) to organise rallies, processions and gatherings in the capital on the party’s founding anniversary.
“We had intelligence information that processions, rallies or gatherings could be organised in various parts of the capital centring the founding anniversary of Awami League,” he said while talking to reporters after inspecting security arrangements for the observance of Holy Ashura at Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka.
The DMP commissioner said police have intensified check-post operations, particularly at entry points to the capital and increased the number of pickets, mobile patrols and foot patrols.
Plainclothes surveillance was also enhanced, he added.
Considering the possibility that Awami League activists and supporters might gather at various locations, police conducted searches at suspected hideouts, including messes and hotels, and arrested several leaders and activists, he added.
Mosleh Uddin said the group intended to embarrass the government and deteriorate the law and order through rallies and public gatherings.
“Police have so far foiled their plans, and we hope they will not be able to organise any procession, rally or gathering during the remaining hours of the day,” he said.
Responding to another question regarding a recent cocktail bomb explosion during an Awami League procession, the DMP Commissioner said police have taken all necessary measures and filed a case over the incident.
“We have arrested several people from the procession and afterwards. The cocktail explosion indicates that there may be plans for sabotage. Although we have not yet had the opportunity to fully verify this, the use of explosives during the procession makes us reasonably certain that they could resort to sabotage if given the opportunity,” he said.
He said police surveillance would continue to prevent anyone from entering Dhaka from outside the city to carry out acts of sabotage or organise unlawful rallies and gatherings.
