Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has said that law enforcement agencies have stopped attempts by supporters of the Awami League to organise rallies, processions and public gatherings in the capital on the party’s founding anniversary.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after inspecting security arrangements for the observance of Ashura at Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Old Dhaka, he said, "Intelligence reports had suggested that political processions and gatherings could take place in different parts of the city.”
He added that police had strengthened security measures across Dhaka, increasing the number of check-posts, pickets, mobile patrols and foot patrol teams, particularly at entry points to the capital.
According to the commissioner, plainclothes officers were also deployed, and surveillance operations were intensified in areas considered sensitive.
Searches were carried out at suspected locations, including lodging houses and hotels, where several political activists and leaders were detained.
Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said again, "Authorities believed the intended gatherings were aimed at creating embarrassment for the government and disturbing law and order.”
He also claimed that police had so far “foiled their plans” and expected no further attempts to organise demonstrations for the remainder of the day.
The DMP commissioner referred to a recent incident involving a crude bomb explosion during what he described as an Awami League-linked procession. Police have since filed a case and detained several individuals in connection with the incident.
He stated, "Investigators were still assessing the situation but noted that the use of explosive materials suggested a possible risk of sabotage.”
He further added that police monitoring would continue to prevent the movement of individuals into Dhaka from outside areas who might attempt to organise unlawful gatherings or engage in disruptive activity.
