150 sued in nine anti-terror cases filed over Awami League programmes in Sylhet

Police have filed nine cases in Sylhet city over rallies, meetings and other political activities allegedly organised by the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations over the past eight months.

The cases were filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at six police stations in the metropolitan area. A total of 150 people have been named as accused, while more than 500 others have been listed as unidentified accused, according to police sources.

The cases were filed between January and August this year following various programmes involving the Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League and other affiliated organisations. Police lodged the cases under several provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009, including Sections 13(9)(3), 10, 11, 12 and 13.

An analysis of the case statements shows that police have so far arrested 94 people in connection with the nine cases. The arrests include both named and unidentified accused, police said.

Police said they have intensified surveillance to prevent public activities by the banned organisation and its affiliates. Legal action will be taken against those involved in rallies, meetings or other activities deemed to threaten public order, they said.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Md Monzurul Alam said police were taking legal action over rallies, meetings and other activities of the banned organisation in accordance with the law.

"Cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with such activities. Legal action is being taken against those named in the cases and anyone whose involvement is established during the investigation," he said.

He added that police operations and surveillance would continue to maintain law and order in the city.