Nine held in Savar over taking part in Awami League torchlight march

Police have arrested nine people in Savar on allegations of taking part in a torchlight procession organised by members of the banned Awami League, officials said on Saturday (August 1).

The arrests were made during a late-night operation on Friday after police received reports that 80 to 90 people had gathered for a torchlight march near Timtex Garments, adjacent to the Salehpur Bridge on the Dhaka–Aricha Highway in the Aminbazar area.

According to police, most participants fled the scene as officers arrived, while nine individuals were taken into custody.

The suspects were identified as Rakib Sikdar, 23, Mohibullah Al Sabbir, 31, Iqbal, 40, Samiul Islam, 19, Shafiqul Islam Khan Idris, 30, Ripon, 30, Ibrahim, 45, Waliur Rahman Shibli, 40, and Ramzan, 30.

Police said they seized one digital banner, five torches and three motorcycles during the operation.

Saiful Alam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Savar Model Police Station, confirmed the arrests, saying the detainees were produced before a court on Saturday.

Police have sought three days of remand to question the suspects as part of the investigation.

Authorities said legal proceedings are underway.