No innocent individuals are being arrested by law enforcement agencies, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
“Our law enforcement agencies are not arresting any innocent individual,” he said in a press briefing on Tuesday evening (30 July).
The statement came after a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry attended by seven ministers, four secretaries, and top officials from law enforcement agencies.
He rejected claims of mass detentions related to the protests, emphasising that arrests are made based on “specific information and video footage” targeting those involved in violent acts.
He added, “If anyone is found to be innocent, they are being released.”
Expressing condolences for the victims of the violence, the Home Minister revealed that 150 individuals have been reported dead, including police officers, journalists, political activists, pedestrians, and students.
He noted that a nationwide day of mourning has been declared in their honor, stating, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Khan also expressed hope that the students’ demands would be addressed, allowing them to “return to their campuses.”
Regarding the protests, the minister said, “There are extensive discussions about who initiated the protests and who used the students.”
The meeting also addressed several critical issues, including the national law and order situation, curfew measures, the prohibition of Jamaat-Shibir politics, and the ongoing quota reform movement.
The meeting was attended by Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, State Minister for Labour and Employment Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, Law Minister Anisul Huq, State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Junayed Ahmed Palak, and State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, along with the heads of RAB, BGB, and Ansar, also participated.
