Dhaka, Mar 07 (V7N)-  Law enforcement agencies detained several individuals participating in the banned organization Hizb ut Tahrir’s 'March for Caliphate' program near the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Friday (March 7). However, the exact number of detainees has not yet been confirmed.

According to sources, supporters of Hizb ut Tahrir gathered in large numbers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram after Friday prayers, chanting slogans such as 'One path to liberation, Caliphate, Caliphate'. As they attempted to start a procession, law enforcement agencies dispersed the crowd using sound grenades and tear gas shells.

The event was organized to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the fall of the Caliphate in Turkey. Despite the ban on the organization, a significant number of supporters gathered to participate in the march.

Earlier on Thursday (March 6), the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested three active members of Hizb ut Tahrir from the Uttara Paschim police station area around 12:15 am.

Meanwhile, in an official statement today, the Police Headquarters reiterated that Hizb ut Tahrir remains a banned organization in Bangladesh, and all of its activities are punishable offenses under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009.

The Bangladesh government officially banned Hizb ut Tahrir on October 22, 2009, citing it as a threat to public security. The DMP has warned that any attempts to hold meetings, rallies, processions, or distribute propaganda materials by the group will be met with strict legal action.

END/MSS/AJ