Police arrest 244 in crackdown on AL flashmobs

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 244 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations on Wednesday, September 24, during a series of flashmob protests across the capital. 

Authorities also seized 14 improvised explosive devices – commonly referred to as “cocktails” – and seven banners from those detained.

At a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Nazrul Islam stated that the flashmob participants were being financially supported, with funds originating both domestically and from abroad. He further alleged that Awami League members who had travelled from various districts to join the demonstrations were staying in flats belonging to fugitive party leaders.

The arrests were carried out across several key areas of Dhaka, including Uttara, Farmgate, and Tejgaon. Most of those detained hailed from Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Gazipur, and Gopalganj. The breakdown by police units is as follows: Tejgaon Division (100), Ramna Division (55), Detective Branch (50), Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit (27), Gulshan Division (5), Mirpur Division (4), and Uttara Division (3).

According to police, the flashmobs are part of a coordinated effort to destabilise law and order ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. “Many of the arrested individuals have confessed during interrogation that they were participating in these flashmobs in exchange for money,” Nazrul Islam said.

While he did not specify the foreign sources of funding, he reiterated that financing was coming “from within the country and outside the country.” He noted a pattern in the timing and location of the protests: “Initially, they marched in the early morning when roads were empty. 

Later, they moved towards Rampura between 8:30 and 9:00 am, and more recently, towards the airport roundabout. They are gradually gaining confidence, increasing their numbers, and receiving encouragement from abroad.”

When asked whether the police had failed to contain the banned party’s activities, Nazrul Islam dismissed the suggestion. “That is not the case at all,” he said. “They were ousted from power a year ago after ruling the country for 17 consecutive years. They still have a vast support base. Even if only one percent of their leaders and activists are abroad, the rest remain inside the country. Compared to their past strength, their current level of mobilisation—through processions and gatherings—is extremely low. Thanks to the vigilance of the Bangladesh Police and other law enforcement agencies, we have been able to prevent major disruptions.”

Acknowledging the challenges of total suppression, he added: “It may be difficult for us to completely seal off every single procession—there won’t be just one or two—but we are continuing our efforts relentlessly.”

He appealed to Dhaka residents for continued cooperation: “The public played a significant role today in helping us arrest 244 Awami League leaders and activists. I urge citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to keep supporting law enforcement in maintaining peace and order.”