15 remanded in Paltan anti-terrorism case

A Dhaka court on Tuesday placed 15 accused on three-day remand in a case filed over alleged anti-state activities in Dhaka’s Paltan area.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana passed the order after a hearing, said state prosecutor Shamsuddoha Sumon.

The accused include Md Mostafa Sardar, vice-president of Swechchhasebak League’s Dhaka North unit; alongside Md Rashed; Mahabubur Rahman Rajib, Md Selim Mia, Abdus Samad Roni, Md Momin Howlader, Md Jihad, Mohiuddin, a former Jubo League member; Md Rahad, Ratul, Md Raihan, Sunny, Md Apon, and Nazmul Hasan Hridoy.

According to the remand petition, around 120 leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League, Awami League and their affiliated bodies gathered at the entrance to Azad Products Goli in Purana Paltan on 24 October and chanted anti-state slogans.

Police said they went to the spot after receiving information and arrested the accused, while some of those present fled. A case was later filed with Paltan Model Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

In the remand petition, police said the accused needed to be interrogated to identify those who fled, trace the alleged financiers of the sabotage and recover weapons and equipment reportedly brought for use in subversive activities.