Violence during quota reform movement: Home minister denies mass arrests

In the aftermath of violence related to the quota reform protests, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has said that arrests are being made based on evidence and not as part of any mass arrest campaign. He emphasised that no mass arrests are being conducted.

Following a special meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, the minister addressed the ongoing situation related to the quota reform movement. He stated, "There are claims that we are carrying out mass arrests. We are not conducting any mass arrests. There is not a district where they have not created various obstacles, even if they haven’t caused destruction.

“You have all seen the areas of destruction. They have damaged our national and state property and caused loss of life. We condemn all these actions," he added.

The minister assured that they are not arresting innocent individuals. "We are only arresting those whom we have identified based on intelligence, video footage, and witness testimonies. If anyone is brought to the police station mistakenly, our officers will check and if they determine the person is innocent, they will be released."

He further noted, "Those who have committed these acts are engaging in treasonous activities. We will take legal action in accordance with the laws against them. We will not detain any innocent person."