Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Awami League has strongly condemned what it described as coordinated attacks and mob violence by police and political party cadres on its peaceful procession in Dhaka, while denouncing the arrest of several of its leaders and activists.
According to local media reports, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested at least 131 Awami League members and affiliates on Tuesday during flash processions held across various parts of the capital.
The party alleged that a premeditated wave of mob violence was launched against its supporters taking part in a peaceful rally, calling it part of ongoing political persecution. It claimed that many were severely injured in what it termed barbaric assaults, and that some victims were even prevented from accessing medical care.
The Awami League further alleged that several members had been abducted or forcibly disappeared, with ransom demands made for their release.
It accused cadres from other political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), of colluding with police to carry out violent attacks while authorities simultaneously created an atmosphere of fear through indiscriminate arrests and intimidation, undermining democratic political activity.
Condemning what it called acts of “mob terrorism” and “unlawful arrests”, the party said, “Those who, under the direct patronage of the state apparatus, are committing such violence to fulfil political vendettas aim only to create chaos in the country and endanger the lives and property of its citizens for their own political gain.”
“The people of Bangladesh are witnessing with deep concern that leaders and activists of the Awami League continue to fight for the restoration of democracy and people's rights,” the party said in a statement.
It also expressed grave concern that its members were being subjected to “brutal and inhumane repression” for waging what it described as a just movement to re-establish democracy and protect citizens’ rights.
The Awami League demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attacks, proper medical care for the injured, and the unconditional release of all “unlawfully detained” leaders, activists and political prisoners.
It also urged the public to remain alert against conspiracies aimed at destroying the achievements of national development under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership and depriving the people of its benefits.