Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) arrested 19 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations on charges of planning sabotage and organizing a public rally. The arrests were made following a special operation led by CMP’s Deputy Commissioner of the South Division, Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan. Police reported seizing a large quantity of locally made weapons during the operation. The arrests took place after a gathering near Jamiatul Falah Jame Mosque following the funeral of former MP and minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain.

According to police, the group began a procession carrying sticks and bricks while chanting slogans against the state and government. When police arrived, the participants dispersed into nearby alleys. Cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Khulshi and Kotwali police stations. Police stated that the detainees admitted to being active members of the banned Awami League and its wings, allegedly spreading misleading information in coordination with fugitives at home and abroad.

Police also said that main suspect Mohammad Mohiuddin faces 15 prior cases under various criminal laws, while several others among the arrested have multiple cases pending.