Dozens of activists linked to Bangladesh's now-disbanded Awami League were arrested across the country on Tuesday after attempting to mark the party's 77th founding anniversary in defiance of a nationwide ban, as authorities deployed security forces and intensified operations to prevent public gatherings.
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Police said at least 26 activists of the "banned party" were arrested in Dhaka alone, while several others were detained elsewhere for organising processions, staging flash marches or attempting to assemble despite heightened security measures. Legal proceedings against those arrested are under way, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), which said operations would continue to maintain public safety and law and order.
The arrests came amid a sweeping security clampdown ordered by the government, which has deployed army troops and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel in Dhaka and five other districts until June 30. Authorities cited intelligence reports suggesting Awami League supporters could attempt to create unrest around the June 23 anniversary.
"We have foiled their plan so far, and I hope that within the remaining time, they will not be able to bring out a procession, hold a rally or gather anywhere," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed told a media briefing.
Despite the restrictions, videos shared on Awami League social media platforms showed party leaders and supporters carrying flags and banners, marching through streets and chanting slogans in several locations. The party had earlier urged supporters to mark the anniversary through digital discussions, poster campaigns, processions and the display of party flags.
Security concerns have intensified in recent days following the deaths of two Awami League activists. One died in police custody in Faridpur on June 20, while another succumbed to injuries after a police chase in Barishal on June 21. The incidents sparked local protests, including a temporary blockade of a key highway connecting Dhaka and Khulna.
In a rare political development, senior leaders of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Faridpur attended funeral prayers for one of the deceased activists and criticised his custodial death. Authorities simultaneously deployed troops to prevent any escalation.
Additional police in riot gear were deployed in Barishal after reports of unauthorised flash processions by Awami League activists. Troops were also stationed in Gopalganj, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's hometown and a traditional Awami League stronghold, where tensions remain high following deadly clashes linked to anti-government protests in 2024.
Bangladesh home minister Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the government's position on Monday, saying the Awami League no longer existed as a political organisation.
"There is no organisation by the name of Awami League," he told reporters when asked about the party's founding anniversary.
Awami League now "banned party"
The Awami League, founded on June 23, 1949, when present-day Bangladesh was part of East Pakistan, is the country's oldest political party and played a leading role in the 1971 Liberation War. The party was disbanded by the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus after Hasina's government was overthrown on August 5, 2024, following a student-led uprising. The move was later endorsed by Parliament under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government.
Hasina, who has been living in India since her removal from office, used social media on the eve of the anniversary to rally supporters.
"We were not born to be defeated," she wrote.
The party also struck a defiant tone online, declaring: "We are returning with people's support with 10 times more strength."
Bangladesh's mainstream media and online news outlets remain barred from publishing or broadcasting Hasina's statements or reporting on the activities of the Awami League. Nevertheless, through regional media commentary and social media platforms, Hasina has continued to accuse successive governments of politicising the judiciary, encouraging "mob terror" and creating a "farcical" electoral environment.
