A youth named Arafat was arrested near Inqilab Mancha rally in Shahbagh on Monday night, December 29, after a pistol-like object was recovered from his possession.
According to police, the recovered item is a toy pistol that closely resembles a real firearm.
Authorities are questioning the youth to determine why he was carrying it.
Protesters detained Arafat near Inqilab Mancha rally and later handed him over to Shahbagh Police Station, police said.
Confirming the incident, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division Masud Alam told Jago News that the object recovered was a toy pistol. “It looks exactly like a real pistol,” he said, adding that the youth is currently in police custody and being interrogated about his motive. “Further legal action will be taken if necessary,” the DC added.
The arrest took place on the fourth day of the sit-in programme organised by Inqilab Mancha, which began at 2:15pm on Monday, demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Due to the protest, the Shahbagh intersection remained closed, halting traffic on surrounding roads.
During the demonstration, leaders and activists of Inqilab Mancha chanted various slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing. The sit-in has been continuing since Friday afternoon, drawing participants from different walks of life.