A march organised by the banned group Hizb-ut-Tahrir as part of its "March for Khilafah" programme took place in the Baitul Mukarram area of Dhaka on Friday (7 March), following the Jumu'ah prayers.
The rally, which began peacefully, was initially uninterrupted for approximately 15 minutes as it proceeded from Paltan towards Bijoynagar.
However, as the march neared its destination, it encountered resistance from law enforcement agencies.
The situation escalated when the police deployed tear gas and sound grenades, causing the protesters to scatter temporarily.
Despite this setback, the Hizb-ut-Tahrir supporters regrouped and attempted to resume the march.
This led to another round of clashes, with law enforcement firing several rounds of tear gas at the demonstrators.
In retaliation, the protesters threw bricks and other projectiles at the law enforcers.
The confrontation culminated in the detention of several individuals affiliated with the banned group.
The incident highlighted the ongoing tension in the capital, with security forces taking strict measures to curb the activities of the organisation, which is outlawed for its radical agenda.
The authorities have not disclosed the number of arrests or the extent of injuries sustained during the skirmishes.
Authorities had heightened security across key locations in Dhaka, particularly surrounding the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.
Army, police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units are on high alert, maintaining a vigilant presence in the area and ensuring public safety.
Numerous law enforcement personnel were spotted stationed at strategic points, particularly at Paltan and adjacent roads leading to Gulistan.
A significant contingent of the army, along with RAB forces, were visible in the area, with police also seen conducting thorough searches near Baitul Mukarram's northern gate, while plainclothes officers from the Detective Branch of Police were observed monitoring the crowd.
The heightened presence is a direct response to Hizb ut-Tahrir’s continued efforts to operate despite being banned in the country.
The organisation has previously been outlawed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with the government warning that any attempt to organise such rallies would lead to legal action.
In a statement issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), it was reiterated that the group’s activities are subject to severe penalties under the country's anti-terrorism laws.
The DMP further cautioned that any assembly or promotional activities by banned organisations would result in immediate legal repercussions.
The heightened security follows the arrest of three Hizb ut-Tahrir members in Dhaka’s Uttara area late last night.
Police raided areas 11 and 12 of Uttara and arrested Monirul Islam, 40, Mohtasin Billah, 40, and Mahmudul Hasan, 21, all of whom were allegedly involved in clandestine plans to organise the "March for Caliphate".
DMP's Media and Public Relations Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed that the trio were apprehended for their involvement in the banned group's rally.
As the march continued, security forces maintained a firm grip on the area, ensuring that any attempt to disrupt public order would be swiftly contained.
The government's stern actions reflect a broader commitment to curbing extremism, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on such organised movements.
Despite the group's defiance, authorities have made it clear that any future attempts to stage such gatherings will be met with decisive measures.
