The Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Sunday night announced extensive security measures across the capital ahead of the founding anniversary of Awami League, activities of which are now banned, on 23 June.
More than 18,000 police personnel will be deployed across Dhaka on the day, said a DMP press release.
In another release, the metropolitan police said that 14 suspected leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations were arrested on Sunday while preparing to bring out flash processions at Mohammadpur and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
The metropolitan police will operate special pickets and checkpoints at more than 200 strategic locations throughout the city to prevent any untoward incidents linked to programmes marking the anniversary, it said.
Security checks and search operations will also be intensified at all entry points to the capital to prevent the movement of suspected individuals or groups that may attempt to create disorder.
In addition to regular police units, specialised branches of the DMP, including the Detective Branch and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, will remain actively deployed across the city.
The Special Branch and the Internal Affairs Division will conduct intelligence operations in plain clothes to identify and prevent any potential acts of sabotage or conspiracy, said the release.
To ensure a rapid response to emergencies, 15 Quick Response Teams will also be put on standby at key locations throughout the capital and additional reserve forces will also be stationed at four major control rooms to provide immediate operational support when required.
The metropolitan police also highlighted recent efforts, stating that 28 individuals were arrested in June1-20 for preparations for flash processions.
The Police Headquarters on June 18 issued a letter asking all metropolitan police commissioners, deputy inspectors general and the additional DIG for operations to remain alert and take adequate security measures over AL founding anniversary.
The AL and its front organisations have recently increased the number of flash processions in different parts of the country ahead of the founding anniversary of the party.
Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on May 12, 2025 banned all activities of the Awami League until trial of the party and its leaders by the International Crimes Tribunal on charge of crimes against humanity during the mass uprising.
Almost all senior AL leaders, including party president Sheikh Hasina, are facing ICT cases.
