45 BNP men held in N’ganj as police monitor Dhaka’s entry points
Police have set up checkpoints at the entry points to the capital ahead of the BNP’s rally under its movement against the government
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At least 45 BNP leaders and activists in Narayanganj have been detained under the old Explosives Act and on charges of sabotage, according to the police.
Additional Superintendent of Police Chailau Marma said the arrests were made during a series of raids conducted in the district.
Golam Farooq Khokon, the Narayanganj District BNP general secretary, alleged that the arrests are part of a broader operation targeting the opposition group ahead of their rally in Dhaka.
He claimed that the police conducted overnight raids on the houses of BNP leaders and activists.
However, the police said their actions are part of their routine duties and are not connected to any political event.
Police have established checkpoints on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Sylhet highways, as well as the entry points to the capital.
District police have set up checkpoints at key locations, including Pagla, Signboard, Mouchak, Shimrail, Kanchpur, Tarabo, Madanpur, Bhulta, and Purbachal in Narayanganj.
However, between 10:30 am and 1 pm on Friday, there were no vehicle searches at Signboard, Mouchak, Shimrail, and Kanchpur. Only the Tarabo area checkpoint was actively inspecting vehicles.
A police official seeking anonymity said that comprehensive searches would begin on Friday afternoon.
Additionally, RAB patrols were seen on the highway.
HEIGHTENED SECURITY MEASURES
Law enforcement personnel have also established checkpoints at key locations, such as the Dhaka-Aricha highway in Savar, a gateway to the capital. In addition to vehicle searches, passengers are being questioned to verify their identities before being allowed to continue their journey.
Since Friday morning, law enforcement agencies have conducted searches in Aminbazar, Birulia Mirpur Road, Dhamrai’s Islampur, and Ashulia Bridge.
Moreover, on Thursday night, police arrested several BNP leaders and activists across Savar and Ashulia.
“Two political parties [the BNP and the ruling Awami League] are holding rallies in the capital on Saturday. Therefore, we have set up checkpoints to ensure that no one can enter Dhaka with the intent to cause sabotage or chaos,” said Inspector Abdur Rashid of Savar Model Police Station.