Latif Siddiqui among others detained at DRU

Former minister Latif Siddiqui and several others were detained by police following widespread tensions at an event organised by the freedom fighters’ platform, ‘Mancha 71,’ on Thursday. Sources said multiple Awami League leaders were also among those detained. The incident occurred around 12:00 pm at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in Dhaka.

Hafiz Al Asad, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), confirmed the detentions to Jago News, stating that the detainees would be taken to Shahbagh Police Station.

Sub-Inspector (SI) Rashed of Shahbagh Police Station told Jago News, “At this point, there is no option but to take them from here. We are taking them, and the seniors will make further decisions later.”

Earlier in the day, ‘Mancha 71’ organised a roundtable discussion titled “Our Great Liberation War and the Constitution of Bangladesh” at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the DRU. Dr. Kamal Hossain, former president of Gono Forum, was scheduled to attend as the chief guest.

Freedom fighter Golam Mostafa told Jago News, “I am a participant. Freedom fighters of all political affiliations were invited. We had started the program. Latif Siddiqui attended, but Kamal Hossain did not. Around 20–25 people came and created a ruckus, surrounding us. However, no one was physically harmed.”

Around 12:00 pm, Latif Siddiqui and several others were taken away in a police van led by ADC Asad. Sources said that after learning about the Mancha 71 event, a group led by Al Amin Rasel under the banner of ‘July Fighters’ went to the venue and surrounded the participants, confining Latif Siddiqui and others at the programme spot.

During the incident, a table at the DRU auditorium was reportedly broken. Several participants remained inside, while others were seen creating a commotion outside.

‘Mancha 71’ is a newly formed platform aimed at preventing distortion of the history of the Liberation War and upholding the dignity of freedom fighters. The platform brings together freedom fighters, members of the younger generation, and representatives of students and the public. Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud, Bir Protik, and senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna are coordinating the platform, which was officially launched in a press release on August 5.