A Dhaka court on Wednesday placed 15 of the 52 people arrested over an alleged secret meeting in the capital’s Bhatara area on a three-day remand in an anti-terrorism case.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin granted remand after Bhatara Police Sub-Inspector Md Hafizur Rahman produced the accused before the court and sought seven days’ remand for each of them.
SI Kamal Hossain of the prosecution department confirmed the matter.
The remanded accused include Youth League leaders Mottalib, 35; Mehjabin Akter Mala, 27; and Md Rubel, 32.
The others are GK Masud, 28; Antar Mia, 19; Md Ramzan, 45; Mamun, 29; Mithu alias Amir Hossain, 30; Abdur Rahman alias Abdullah, 19; Md Sumon Mia, 30; Arif Mia, 22; Mostak Mia, 20; Saim Hossain, 20; Zahid Hasan, 19; and Shaheen Hossain Emon, 20.
They are residents of different areas of Narayanganj and Narsingdi.
During the hearing, defence lawyer Islam Mia Rakib opposed the remand plea and sought its cancellation.
The investigation officer, however, argued that custodial interrogation was necessary for the investigation.
The court subsequently granted three days’ remand.
According to the case statement, police raided a flat in Bashundhara Residential Area after receiving intelligence that a group was allegedly planning acts of sabotage and terrorist activities around 15 August, the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Police said the suspects attempted to flee when officers arrived and that 52 people were subsequently detained.
Case documents, however, state that the raid took place at a flat in E-Block of Bashundhara Residential Area between 8pm and 10pm on 13 August, following a tip-off.
Police said they arrested the named accused and others identified during the investigation under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Three mobile phones and three banners were allegedly seized during the operation. The banners reportedly announced a discussion meeting and milad mahfil to mark 15 August.
Police alleged that the accused were active leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League, which the authorities have banned.
According to the case statement, they had allegedly gathered for a secret meeting with the intention of creating instability in the country and reviving activities of the banned organisations.
The investigation officer told the court that the accused needed to be interrogated to uncover the details of the alleged activities and identify those who may have financed them.
Of the 52 arrested, two were sent to the Gazipur Juvenile Development Centre after being identified as children based on their age, according to the case documents.
