Dhaka, Aug 28 (V7N) – A tense situation unfolded on Thursday morning at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), where a program was organized under the banner of "Manch 71" involving leaders and activists of the Awami League, along with academics, lawyers, and other professionals.
 
According to eyewitnesses, the event drew public protest shortly after it began. Locals, reportedly alerted through informal channels, gathered at the venue and expressed strong opposition to the gathering. The growing commotion led to concerns over public safety and prompted a call to law enforcement authorities.
 
Responding to the situation, police arrived at the scene and took several individuals into custody, including Abdul Latif Siddique—a former Awami League minister and the brother of noted political figure Kader Siddique—as well as Professor Hafizur Rahman Karzon of the University of Dhaka’s Department of Law. The detainees were transported to Shahbagh Police Station for further questioning.
 
Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khaled Mansur confirmed the detentions, stating that “a crowd had formed around a controversial program held at DRU, prompting law enforcement intervention.” He added that the authorities are investigating the nature of the event and the cause of the public unrest.
 
The program, scheduled to begin in the morning, had listed prominent jurist Dr. Kamal Hossain as the chief guest. However, he did not attend the event, and no official reason was given for his absence.
 
As of now, no formal charges have been announced, and it remains unclear whether the event had official approval from DRU or relevant authorities. Law enforcement officials stated that further legal steps will be determined following initial interrogations and verification of documents related to the event’s organization.
 
This incident comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Dhaka, with various factions within and outside the ruling party engaging in parallel events and discussions. The role of “Manch 71” as a platform, its affiliations, and its objectives are likely to be scrutinized in the coming days as more details emerge.
 
END/AHM/SMA/