Police used batons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse a march organized by the banned group Hizb ut-Tahrir in Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram area this afternoon. Several members of the outfit were detained at the scene, according to reports.
Around 1,000 Hizb ut-Tahrir activists gathered for the demonstration, part of their “March for Khilafat” program, following Jummah prayers at the national mosque. As the rally attempted to proceed, police blocked them before they reached the Paltan intersection.
When the protesters moved towards Bijoynagar, police intervened again, using tear gas and sound grenades to break up the gathering.
The demonstration came after Hizb ut-Tahrir publicly announced the event in advance. In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) had issued a statement yesterday, warning that any activities under the banner of the banned group would be considered a criminal offense under anti-terrorism laws.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has been outlawed in Bangladesh since October 22, 2009. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009, any form of gathering, rally, or promotional activity by a banned organization is illegal.
“If any banned outfit, including Hizb ut-Tahrir, attempts to hold meetings, rallies, or engage in any form of publicity, necessary legal action will be taken,” the DMP warned in the statement, signed by Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman.
