DHAKA, Aug 7, 2026 (BSS) - Police on early today arrested seven people during 
an operation in the capital's Banani area over allegations that they were 
preparing to stage a torch procession for the Awami League, the activities of 
which are now banned, and its affiliated organisations.

According to a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) press release issued here 
today, a team from Banani Police Station conducted a raid at around 12:20pm 
on the opposite side of Army Stadium on the outgoing Dhaka-Mymensingh 
highway.

The arrested were identified as Md Arif, 19, Md Shakil Ahmed, 19, Ashik Ahmed 
Mostafa, 19 and the rest four were children, the DMP press release said.

It said police received information that some 100 to 120 people gathered with 
torches near the Army Stadium after coming from Sainik Club area for bringing 
out a torch procession.

After being informed, they [police] conducted a raid in the area and nabbed 
the detainees, it further said, adding: "The remaining participants managed 
to flee the scene. Police recovered 70 torches, one banner and 77 face masks 
from the spot."

Legal action is under process against the seven individuals and the 
organisers of the attempted procession, police added.