Police arrested 19 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliates following a protest procession in front of the Jamiatul Falah Jame Mosque under Kotwali Police Station.
The arrests occurred on Thursday after the funeral prayers (Janaza) of former minister and veteran freedom fighter Engineer Mosharraf Hossain.
The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) confirmed the arrests in a press release on Friday. According to police, a group of activists took out a procession near the mosque, wielding sticks and bricks while chanting anti-government slogans. When police attempted to control the situation, the protesters fled into nearby alleys.
Law enforcement seized 15 bricks and 8 wooden sticks from the scene. Subsequent raids based on intelligence led to the arrest of 19 individuals.
During initial interrogation, police found that many of the detainees are members of the banned Chhatra League and other Awami League wings. Officials allege the group was involved in anti-state conspiracies and financing terrorist activities. A review of the Crime Data Management System (CDMS) also revealed that several of the accused face prior charges, including illegal weapons possession, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
A case has been filed against the 19 suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and they have been sent to court.
