Dhaka: A Dhaka court has sent 27 people to jail after they were arrested during a police raid at the central office of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) in the capital’s Gulistan area, amid allegations that they created a disorderly situation and raised “Joy Bangla” slogans.
The 27 were among around 280-300 people initially detained by police during the September 26 raid. Following identity verification, 249 people were released, while 27 were formally arrested under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and produced before the court.
A Dhaka court subsequently ordered the 27 to be sent to jail. Police alleged that the accused had created an “unstable and disorderly environment” inside the JaSaD office while chanting slogans and had failed to provide satisfactory explanations for their presence at the location.
Court Rejects Bail Pleas
The legal proceedings continued on Monday, with a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate rejecting the bail petitions filed by the 27 arrested individuals. The court said further investigation was required in the case.
The arrests were made under Section 54, which allows police action in cases where there is suspicion that a person may be involved in a cognisable offence. Police have maintained that the detainees could not satisfactorily explain their presence inside the JaSaD office during the operation.
Police Raid JaSaD Office
Police entered the JaSaD headquarters in Gulistan on September 26 after receiving information about a gathering allegedly involving supporters of the banned Awami League. Police said some people inside the office were chanting “Joy Bangla” slogans.
The raid took place while JaSaD was holding a central representative meeting. JaSaD denied allegations that the gathering was linked to the Awami League and said the meeting had been scheduled in advance.
Police initially detained nearly 300 people, including several journalists. After screening and verification, most of those detained were released, while 27 were formally arrested and sent to court.
Awami League Condemns Arrests
The Awami League has condemned the arrests and criticised the action against those detained during the raid.
The development comes amid continuing political tensions in Bangladesh, where the activities of the Awami League are currently banned. The JaSaD office raid and subsequent arrests have drawn attention because of allegations concerning links between people present at the gathering and the banned party.
The case remains under investigation, while the 27 arrested individuals continue to face proceedings following the court’s rejection of their bail petitions.