Major Sadikul’s wife arrested over involvement in AL plot

Sumaiya Jafrin, the wife of Major Sadikul held in army custody, has been shown arrested over suspected involvement in an Awami League plot to destabilise the country.

Sumaiya has been shown arrested under the "Anti-Terrorism Act," said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Md Talebur Rahman at a press conference on Thursday morning. Police will seek a seven-day remand for her at a Dhaka court later at noon, the officer added.

On Wednesday evening, the Detective Branch (DB) of DMP detained her from a restaurant at Mirpur DOHS area.

On 1 August, the military said that primary investigation has confirmed Major Sadikul was involved in the party's latest seditious plot. The army detained him from Uttara on 17 July, and has kept him under custody since then.

Police filed a case over the conspiracy on 13 July.

As per the case statement, around 400 Awami League activists and their allies attended a day-long meeting at a convention centre in Bhatara area. They discussed a plan to gather tens of thousands of people, if not more, at Shahbagh intersection to cripple major parts of the capital’s road communication network.

As per the plan, Major Sadikul was to arrange training for Awami League activists.

Tipped off, police arrested 22 Awami League activists from the secret meeting. 

Awami League, the country's biggest political force a year ago, is now banned due to atrocities committed during its 15-year rule. Intel reports indicate the group would make repeated attempts to project strength and disrupt public order in the run up to the general elections in February next year.