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The Detective Branch (DB) of the police has said that they have obtained sensational information related to the BNP-led opposition’s grand rally on October 28, following the interrogation of individuals apprehended in connection with the happenings on that day.
According to the DB police, subversive activities were pre-planned on that day under the guise of a peaceful rally. BNP activists divided into several groups and participated in acts of sabotage. The original intention was to provoke the police into initiating open fire during clashes between the police and BNP activists, with the anticipation of casualties among the activists. Subsequently, they planned to exploit the situation for political gain, both domestically and internationally. To avoid detection during the rally, BNP activists also vandalised CCTV cameras worth Tk 39 lakh.
Harunur Rashid, Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told reporters that on October 28, BNP activists engaged in a riot even after committing to a peaceful rally. Around that day, they prepared to carry out violence in a pre-planned manner.
During the interrogation of detained BNP leaders, they admitted to planning and executing the violence, confirming that the individuals involved were BNP activists.
Referring to the interrogation, he mentioned the formation of several groups centred around the rally. One group was assigned to breaking down police CCTV cameras, rendering those who participated in the violence unidentifiable. The CCTV cameras, valued at around Tk 39 lakh, were installed from in front of the Chief Justice's residence to Kakrail, Paltan, and Dainik Bangla Mor (intersection). Another group, equipped with hammers and chisels, was tasked with breaking bricks and handing them to activists. Yet another group carried bamboo sticks, with even the central president of the Juba Dal, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, seen wielding a bamboo stick, inciting activists to attack the police. Another group carried petrol, intended for setting fire to various vehicles, including buses.
Harunur Rashid said that the central leaders of BNP were already aware of these plans, explaining why they did not approach the Nightingale intersection. They remained silent, knowing everything from the stage, and did not restrain the activists.
He mentioned that the primary goal of BNP that day was to have some of their activists killed in the clash with the police. Their plan was to engage in violence with the police, provoking an aggressive response, resulting in casualties. After that, domestic and foreign forces were expected to unite, accelerating a massive movement against the government, ultimately leading to its fall. However, this did not unfold as planned.
In this context, he revealed that Lt Gen (Retd) Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy was prepared with so-called advisor to Biden in this regard. Although the police were concerned about moving towards Nayapaltan BNP office, they (Hasan Sarwardy) were not afraid to go there. The planned scenario did not unfold, leading to a change in the briefing topic.
Harunur Rashid said, “The police showed immense patience that day, although my brother, a policeman, was killed. More than 50 others were injured, with one still battling for his life. He was sent to India for better treatment. We did not act recklessly.”
“Since we maintained patience, the plan for corpses was not successful, and their dead body politics did not succeed. We arrested many people after that incident. Those who are still absconding will also be caught,” the DMP Additional Commissioner added further.
Meanwhile, Khandkar Muhid Uddin, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) at the DMP headquarters, said that since October 28, 64 buses have been vandalised and burned in Dhaka city. Some were set on fire by individuals who boarded the bus as passengers, while others were ignited from outside. In this incident, 12 people were apprehended by the public and DMP. During the arrest, items such as petrol, gunpowder, diesel, cotton, and old clothes used in setting the bus on fire were seized from them. In this regard, 64 cases have been filed in different police stations in the capital.
He also mentioned that DMP has adopted a strict stance against vandals and arsonists operating under the guise of a political agenda. With the safety of the city dwellers in mind, all necessary security measures have been implemented. The DMP Commissioner has announced a cash reward of 20,000 taka for anyone handing over vandals and arsonists in the name of a political programme. The people of the capital responded to the DMP Commissioner's call, leading to the arrest of many arsonists attempting sabotage during the blockade through information and cooperation from the public. The DMP Commissioner has already rewarded one person for aiding in the arrest of a vandal by providing information.
He said, “If anyone engages in vandalism, arson, or violence in the name of a political program in the capital, Dhaka Metropolitan Police will take maximum legal action against them. Additionally, all security measures will be implemented to ensure the general public can move freely.”
Messenger/Disha
