Fifteen Awami League Activists Remanded Over Suspected Subversive Planning in Bashundhara

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day police remand for fifteen activists belonging to the Awami League and its affiliated organisations following their arrest in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area. Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin issued the order on Wednesday after law enforcement officers presented the suspects in court under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The remanded individuals include Jubo League figures Motalib and Mehejabin Akter Mala, alongside associates Rubel, G K Masud, Ontor Mia, Romjan, Mamun, Mithu (also known as Amir Hossain), Abdur Rahman (also known as Abdullah), Sumon Mia, Arif Mia, Mostak Mia, Saim Hossain, Jahid Hasan, and Shahin Hossain Imon. Sub-Inspector Hafizur Rahman of Bhatara Police Station, the investigating officer, had originally petitioned for a seven-day remand to facilitate interrogation.

The arrests stem from a late-night operation conducted on 13 August by law enforcement personnel at a second-floor flat on Road 28, Block M, within Bashundhara Residential Area. Officers raided the premises following intelligence reports indicating an unauthorized gathering. While several individuals managed to flee upon noticing police presence, officers detained fifty-four people at the scene.

According to police filings, the group consisted of affiliates from the Awami League, Jubo League, Jubo Mahila League, and Chhatra League. Investigators allege that the group assembled to plan acts of sabotage and subversive activities timed around 15 August. During the raid, officers confiscated two iPhones, a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and three banners. The seized banners outlined plans for discussion meetings and prayer gatherings for 15 August, with several displaying portraits of organizational leaders alongside anti-state slogans.

Following the initial raid, fifty-two adult suspects were sent to prison by the court, whilst two minors were transferred to a juvenile development centre. Defense legal counsel argued that the gathering was merely a private family function hosted by Motalib and Mehejabin Akter Mala to celebrate their child’s birthday. However, prosecution lawyers maintained that the meeting served to coordinate flash processions and destabilize public order. The magistrate subsequently granted three days for police questioning.