Three individuals were reportedly beaten by a mob and handed over to police on Thursday night on suspicion of being affiliated with Awami League or the banned organisation Chhatra League at Dhanmondi 32.
The incident occurred just near the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, where demonstrators under the banner of Chhatra-Janata (students and public) had gathered, a day before his death anniversary on August 15, amid heightened security.
According to a witness, a man at the scene was on a video call showing the situation to someone else around 9pm.
Kyashinyu Marma, officer-in-charge (OC) of Dhanmondi Police Station, said that the individuals brought in by protesters who suspected them to be affiliated with Awami League. Police, however, did not reveal the identities of the individuals but said they are interrogating them.
Besides, a leader of the Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, was allegedly assaulted by Chhatra Dal activists in that night. In addition, another individual was reportedly assaulted on suspicion of being an Awami League sympathizer, and a woman was allegedly harassed during the same time.
Since the evening, protesters had begun assembling near Dhanmondi 32, citing concerns over possible sabotage, the witnesses reports.
Meanwhile, around 10pm, several local leaders and activists of the BNP organised multiple processions near Dhanmondi 32, chanting slogans demanding Sheikh Hasina’s execution. The police had already beefed up security, with armoured vehicles and water cannons stationed at the entrance of the area from Thursday afternoon.