Latif Siddique confined by protesters at DRU, handed over to police

Former Member of Parliament and Minister Abdul Latif Siddique along with Dhaka University Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon were confined by a group identifying themselves as “July Warriors” during a roundtable discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday morning. The group later handed them, along with at least 15 others, over to police.

The incident took place during a roundtable discussion titled "Our Great Liberation War and the Constitution of Bangladesh," organized by a platform named 'Moncho 71'. The event was scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM but commenced around 11:00 AM. Dr. Kamal Hossain, a key framer of the Constitution and emeritus president of Gono Forum, was announced as the chief guest.

Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman of Dhaka University’s Law Department was the first to speak at the discussion. In his remarks, he said, “We are witnessing efforts to discard the Constitution. Behind this are Jamaat-Shibir and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Under Professor Yunus's leadership, they are humiliating freedom fighters by placing garlands of shoes on them.”

Shortly after his statement, a group of individuals stormed into the DRU auditorium, chanting slogans such as: “Let the weapons of July roar again,” “Arrest the League, fill the jails,” “July Warriors, unite and fight.”

The demonstrators tore down the event’s banner and confined the speakers and attendees inside the auditorium. Around 12:15 PM, a team from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrived at the scene, after which the protesters handed over Latif Siddique, Professor Rahman, and others to police custody.

Hafiz Al Asad, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), confirmed the arrests and stated that the detainees will be taken to Shahbagh Police Station.

Rashed, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Shahbagh Police Station, said, “At this point, there’s no alternative but to take them from here. We are in the process of doing so. The senior officers will make further decisions later.”

It has been reported that upon hearing about the event organized by "Moncho 71," a group led by Al Amin Russell under the banner of "July Warriors" arrived and blockaded the venue. The group reportedly confined Latif Siddiqui and other attendees, preventing them from entering or remaining at the event.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a table broken at the scene. While some participants remained inside, a number of individuals outside created a loud commotion.

‘Moncho 71’ is a newly formed platform aimed at preserving the history of the Liberation War and protecting the dignity of freedom fighters. The platform comprises veterans, representatives of the new generation, and student groups. It is coordinated by Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud (Bir Protik) and senior Supreme Court lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna. The platform was officially launched on August 5 through a press release.

Responding to the incident in a Facebook Live video, Z.I. Khan Panna condemned the disruption caused by some self-proclaimed coordinators at the event. He urged freedom fighters to unite, emphasizing, “This is the final moment. Unite now.”