Night-time Torch Procession Leads to Nine Arrests in Savar

Police have arrested nine alleged activists of the Bangladesh Awami League during a night-time torch procession in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka. Officers also seized a digital banner, five torches and three motorcycles during the operation.

Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam confirmed the arrests on Saturday afternoon. The arrests were made after a police operation late on Friday night, 31 July, near the Timtex Garments factory, adjacent to the Salehpur Bridge in Aminbazar along the Dhaka-Aricha Highway.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rakib Shikdar, 23; Mahibullah Al Sabbir, 31; Iqbal, 40; Samiul Islam, 19; Shafiqul Islam Khan Idris, 30; Ripon, 30; Ibrahim, 45; Waliur Rahman Shibli, 40; and Ramzan, 30.

According to police, between 80 and 90 people described as Awami League activists were taking part in the torch procession in the Aminbazar area during the night. After receiving information about the gathering, police moved to the area and launched an operation. Most of those taking part reportedly fled when officers arrived, while nine people were detained.

The seized items, including the digital banner, five torches and three motorcycles, were taken into police custody as part of the operation. Police said the arrests were made in connection with the torch procession, although details of any specific allegations against the nine individuals were not immediately disclosed.

The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh, where public gatherings, processions and other political activities have frequently drawn increased attention from law-enforcement agencies. Night-time processions involving fire-lit torches can also create additional security concerns, particularly when they take place near major highways or busy transport corridors.

The Dhaka-Aricha Highway is a key route connecting the capital with several parts of central and western Bangladesh. Aminbazar, located on the outskirts of Dhaka, is a busy transport zone where large gatherings can potentially affect traffic movement and public safety.

Saiful Alam, the officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said the nine individuals were arrested while participating in the torch procession. Police subsequently produced them before a court on Saturday and sought a three-day remand for questioning.

The court’s decision on the remand plea was not immediately available. Further details regarding the legal proceedings and the specific charges, if any, were also not disclosed at the time of the report.