The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has arrested 68 leaders and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Jubo League, Awami League and its affiliated organizations in a special operation conducted across different police stations in the city following a flash procession allegedly organized by Chhatra League members.
The information was disclosed in a press release issued by CMP's Public Relations Department on Tuesday evening.
According to CMP, the arrests were made during special drives carried out over the past 24 hours on allegations of participating in unauthorized processions, engaging in acts of sabotage and involvement in activities deemed anti-state.
Police said the suspects were identified through intelligence reports, field investigations and analysis of videos circulated on social media.
Among the arrested individuals, 13 were detained from Khulshi Police Station area, the highest number among all police stations. Another 12 were arrested from Bayezid Bostami, while 10 each were detained from Kotwali and Panchlaish police stations. Seven arrests were made in Double Mooring, three in EPZ, two each in Bakalia and Karnaphuli, and one each in Chawkbazar, Chandgaon, Halishahar, Pahartali, Akbar Shah, Bandar, and Patenga police station areas.
Police sources said the detainees include leaders and activists from various levels of the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and their associate bodies. Authorities are investigating their alleged involvement in activities that could disrupt public order, organize unauthorized gatherings, and engage in sabotage-related operations.
CMP Assistant Commissioner of Police (Public Relations) Aminur Rashid said that the operation was launched based on intelligence information and video footage that spread across social media platforms.
"Law enforcement agencies are identifying and tracking individuals involved in activities of banned organizations. Legal action against those found engaged in such activities will continue," he said.
Earlier on Monday morning, a group of activists reportedly brought out a flash procession under the banner of the banned Chhatra League near the GEC intersection in Chattogram city. Videos of the procession later went viral on social media, prompting a police response.
Local sources claimed that supporters of Arshedul Alam Bacchu, a leader of Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League and former General Secretary of the Omar Gani M.E.S. The College Students' Union, were involved in organizing the procession.
Footage circulating online showed participants marching from in front of Sanmar Tower-1, opposite Nasirabad Government High School, toward the GEC intersection while chanting various slogans.
CMP said its operations against activities linked to banned organizations, attempts to destabilize law and order, and acts of sabotage will continue. Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway.