Dhaka, August 5 (V7N) - As part of an ongoing nationwide special crackdown, Bangladeshi police have arrested 1,593 activists and leaders affiliated with the ruling Awami League. The arrests were made over the past several days during a coordinated law enforcement operation, according to an official statement released on Monday by both the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Police Headquarters.

Of those arrested, 1,005 individuals were identified as having outstanding arrest warrants or facing criminal charges in various cases. An additional 588 people were taken into custody in connection with other criminal incidents or during the course of active investigations.

Law enforcement agencies also reported the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and locally manufactured weapons during the raids. The nature and quantity of the recovered items were not detailed in the statement.

In the capital, the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police conducted targeted operations in several areas, arresting 11 more Awami League members. These operations are part of a broader law-and-order enforcement strategy ahead of a politically sensitive period in the country.

The police did not specify the exact charges or legal proceedings for each detainee but confirmed that all arrests were made in line with existing warrants or in connection with actionable intelligence. Authorities also stated that security operations will continue to ensure stability and public safety.

This development comes amid heightened political tensions, with both ruling and opposition parties accusing each other of conspiracy, provocation, and orchestrated violence.

The police statement reiterated that the special drive is not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring law and order by arresting individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of political affiliation. However, rights groups and political analysts have expressed concerns about transparency, due process, and the potential for misuse of law enforcement during such widescale operations.

The situation continues to develop as arrests and investigations proceed across various districts of Bangladesh.

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