Police Break Up Hizb ut-Tahrir March With Tear Gas, Arrests

Police baton-charged and fired teargas shells to disperse a procession by banned outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir in the Baitul Mukarram area this afternoon.

Several operatives were detained from the scene, according to our senior reporter.

Around a thousand members of the group marched under the "March for Khilafah" programme after Friday prayers at the national mosque. The procession encountered police resistance twice before reaching Paltan intersection.

As they moved towards Bijoynagar, police intervened again, dispersing them with teargas and sound grenades. The activists attempted to regroup but were scattered once more in a standoff that lasted around 30 minutes. Panic spread in the area as events unfolded.

Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of Ramna Police Division, stated that the procession was illegal and law enforcers swiftly took control of the situation. "Several have been detained, and we will confirm the exact number later," he said.

The procession followed an earlier announcement by Hizb ut-Tahrir. In response, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) had warned yesterday that any activities under the banned group's banner were punishable under anti-terrorism laws.

Hizb ut-Tahrir was outlawed in Bangladesh on October 22, 2009, over public security concerns. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009, any gathering, distribution of materials, or promotional activities by banned outfits constitute a criminal offense.

"If any banned outfit, including Hizb ut-Tahrir, attempts to hold meetings, rallies, or engage in publicity, legal action will be taken," stated Muhammad Talebur Rahman PPM, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP.