15 Lawyers Arrested in Chattogram Under Anti-Terrorism Law

Police have arrested 15 lawyers in Chattogram in connection with a gathering held to mark the anniversary of the death of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The lawyers are reportedly known as supporters of the Awami League, whose activities have been banned.

They were arrested on Saturday night from the WAPDA Colony area of Mansurabad under Double Mooring police station in Chattogram.

According to court sources, those arrested are Iskandar Mirza, Sanjoy Kanti Nath, S.M. Salauddin, Ahsan Abid, Sultan Mahmud Zidan, Partha Pratim Nandi, Shubha Aich, Mashiur Rahman Abir, Zakir Hossain, Jishu Roy Chowdhury, Umme Habiba, Kamela Khanam, Ayesha Heaven, Sujola Antara and Sharmin Yasmin Nishu.

Double Mooring police station Officer-in-Charge Shahinur Alam said the group had gathered beneath a residence in the WAPDA Colony to observe August 15. Police detained them following a tip and filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, he said.

The police chief added that the suspects had been sent to court.

A lawyer familiar with the incident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a prayer and milad gathering marking August 15 had been organized beneath the residence of arrested lawyer Umme Habiba. The lawyers attended the event and were taken into custody by police after it ended.

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of activities linked to the Awami League following the political upheaval in Bangladesh.