52 lands in jail in case over ‘sabotage plan’ ahead of 15 Aug

A Dhaka court on Friday sent 52 accused to jail in an anti-terrorism case filed over allegations of planning sabotage and terrorist activities ahead of 15 August.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order after police produced the accused before the court and sought their detention, said Prosecution Division Sub-Inspector Kamal Hossain.

The court also sent two other accused to a Child Development Centre, considering their age.

Earlier, on the night of 13 August, police arrested the accused from a house in the Bhatara Police Station area. On Friday, Sub-Inspector Md Hafizur Rahman pleaded for their detention before the court.

The accused are Motalib, Mehejabin Akter Mala, Rubel, G K Masud, Antar Mia, Ramzan, Mamun, Mithu alias Amir Hossain, Abdur Rahman alias Abdullah, Sumon Mia, Arif Mia, Mostak Mia, Saim Hossain, Zahid Hasan, Shahin Hossain Imon, Limon Khan, Dewan Ismail, Fahim Mia, Ratan, Rabbi alias Rafi, Ratul Shil, Minarul Mia, Masud Rana alias Limu, Jihad Hasan, Abu Saim alias Sayem Babu, Fahim, Shakil Mia, Rajib, Sani, Rajan Mia, Md Tarek, Tarek, Shahin, Faisal, Mamun Mia, Munna, Tamzid Mia Nayan, Yasin, Jamil, Rakibul Hasan Ratul, Faisal, Siam, Sharif, Sadikur Rahman Payel, Shahin Alam, Abdul Ali Babu, Anik, Tarikul Islam, A. Rahman, Yamin Mia, Atik and Ashik. The two sent to the Child Development Centre are Eshan and Hasib.

According to the detention plea, the investigation is ongoing. Preliminary questioning and investigation have uncovered evidence supporting the allegations against the arrested accused. It is essential that they remain in custody until the investigation is completed, as there are concerns that they could go into hiding if released on bail.

Police claimed that the detained persons are involved in the activities of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations. They were allegedly planning sabotage and terrorist activities centred on 15 August. Mobile phones and banners were also seized from them.