A Dhaka court today sent 52 leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities are banned, and its affiliated organisations to jail in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act over an alleged gathering ahead of August 15 in the capital's Bhatara area.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order after police produced them before the court and sought their detention, a court staffer said.

Meanwhile, two minors were sent to the Children Development Centre in Gazipur after being produced before Juvenile Court-9 of Dhaka in connection with the same case.

Earlier today, police filed the case with Bhatara Police Station against the 54 individuals.

According to the forwarding report submitted to the court, the accused were arrested from a flat in Bashundhara Residential Area around 8:05pm yesterday while allegedly holding a preparatory meeting to organise a flash procession ahead of August 15.

Police alleged that they were planning acts of sabotage and terrorist activities in connection with the occasion. Three banners were also seized during the operation.

The banners announced a discussion meeting and a prayer gathering marking August 15.