Woman detained at National Memorial while trying to pay tribute 'on behalf of Awami League'

Police detained a woman with her three children at the National Memorial in Savar, Dhaka, on Thursday, March 26, as she attempted to pay tribute on behalf of the banned Awami League and its president Sheikh Hasina.

The detainee was identified as Tahmina Akhtar, a resident of Lalbagh in the capital originally from Cumilla. Police said she arrived with three children to pay respects at the memorial.

Dhaka District (North) Detective Branch Officer-in-Charge Saidul Islam said the woman was detained after she appeared in front of the memorial fountain carrying leaflets and raised political slogans. She reportedly chanted "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" and identified herself as a grassroots Awami League activist.

According to police, she claimed she had come alone on a bus with her three children to pay tribute. A leaflet bearing the Awami League name was also found in her possession. She was taken into custody, and legal proceedings are underway.

Police confirmed the three children accompanying her were not detained.

According to local sources, the incident created some tension in the area, but the situation was later brought under control.