Bangladesh Police conducted a raid in Dhaka's Dhanmondi Model Thana area early Monday morning, arresting 10 leaders and activists from the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations. The operation took place on Satmasjid Road at approximately 6:00 am, according to station sources.
Details of the Arrests
The arrested individuals were identified as Md Ebadul Islam, 21; Milon Barai, 20; Md Sujon Sardar, 26; Sabuj Dhali, 28; Nipul Biswas, 29; Somu Dhali, 28; Ashok Dhali, 30; Md Saurav Hawlader, 23; Md Joy, 28; and Mahbub Hawlader, 40. Police stated that acting on a tip-off, they caught the activists "red-handed while they were preparing to launch a flash procession."
During the arrest, law enforcement recovered 15 caps bearing the Jubo League monogram, eight T-shirts featuring photos of party leaders and activists, and a banner reading "Sheikh Hasina ashbe, Bangladesh hashbe" ("Sheikh Hasina will return, Bangladesh will smile"). Additionally, two buses and a private car used by the arrestees were seized. The arrestees have been forwarded to the court.
Government Response and Security Measures
This crackdown comes as Bangladesh remains on high alert ahead of the Awami League's founding anniversary on June 23. The party remains under a ban originally imposed by the previous interim government, and restrictions continue despite a change in leadership. The Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended the deployment of the army in several districts to assist with monitoring.
According to a report by Prothom Alo, a Bengali daily newspaper, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter to the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division requesting troop deployment. The letter stated that "various banned organisations are holding illegal processions, showdowns, and other programmes in different parts of the country. There are apprehensions of sabotage and chaos through these activities. This is feared to deteriorate the overall law and order situation in various districts, as well as cause extensive damage to life and property."
Army Deployment Plan
The correspondence requested the deployment of the necessary number of troops for nine days, from June 22 to June 30, to preserve peace, ensure public safety, and protect property in the Dhaka, Chattogram, and Gazipur metropolitan areas, as well as in the Narayanganj, Gopalganj, and Faridpur districts. Military personnel will operate under the "In Aid to Civil Power" framework.
Sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that with the founding anniversary falling on Tuesday, June 23, the party may attempt to organise processions, demonstrations, and other unauthorised activities. Leaders and activists have recently held flash processions.
Background of the Ban
Following the July mass uprising, the Awami League government fell on August 5, 2024. On May 10, 2025, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus decided to ban all party activities until judicial proceedings against the Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal are concluded. The following day, on May 11, 2025, the government formalised this directive by amending the Anti-Terrorism Act to facilitate the prohibition. Under the subsequent government, the National Parliament approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance on April 8, which maintains the prohibition on organisations involved in terrorist activities, ensuring the ban on the Awami League remains in effect.
Ministry of Home Affairs officials said the government is highly vigilant in preventing any activities by the Awami League, leading to the decision to deploy the army.
Security Plan in Dhaka
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) released a statement noting that a security plan has been adopted to cover the capital. Special police checkpoints will be established at more than 200 strategic locations, while security operations will be intensified at all metropolitan entry points to prevent outsiders or suspicious individuals from causing disruption. Alongside regular police, specialised DMP units will be active, with over 18,000 officers and personnel deployed to maintain order.
