Dhaka, Nov 25 (V7N) — A bizarre incident unfolded in the capital from midnight to dawn as a coordinated effort lured thousands of people to Shahbagh under false promises of interest-free loans ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 1 crore. The scheme, allegedly orchestrated by a group operating under the name "Non-violent Uprising Bangladesh," aimed to bring large crowds to Dhaka.

Beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, people from remote areas of the country started arriving in Dhaka using buses, trucks, and microbuses, with hopes of securing financial assistance. However, law enforcement and Dhaka University (DU) students intervened to send the unsuspecting individuals back to their villages.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the villagers were enticed with promises of recovering "lost national funds" and distributing substantial loans without interest. Alauddin, a sherbet vendor from Narayanganj, said he was told to fill out a form a month earlier to qualify for the loan. Fatima, a tailor, shared a similar story, expressing her disappointment after realizing the scheme was a hoax.

Azizul Haque, a DU student, reported personally redirecting over 100 vehicles filled with hopeful villagers. "Most people didn’t even know the full details of why they were here, only that they might get financial support," he said.

Inspector Delwar Hossain of Shahbagh Police Station confirmed the operation to thwart the gathering. "This was a well-planned deception to mobilize masses in Shahbagh and other areas, possibly to besiege the Chief Adviser's office," he said. Several individuals have been detained, and investigations are underway to identify the masterminds behind the scheme.

Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious against similar fraudulent activities and to verify information before acting on such promises.

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