A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of 16 individuals, including former minister Abdul Latif Siddique, in a high-profile case accusing them of inciting armed resistance and conspiring against Bangladesh’s interim government.
The arrests stem from a Thursday event titled “Our Great Liberation War and the Constitution of Bangladesh,” hosted by the veterans’ platform Mancha 71 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. The gathering turned chaotic when a group calling themselves the “July Fighters” stormed the venue, accusing the speakers of attempting to destabilize the country. They tore down banners, chanted slogans, and handed over the attendees to police.
Among those jailed are academics, journalists, and freedom fighters, including Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon and journalist Monjurul Alam. Police filed charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, alleging the group was promoting insurrection.
During Friday’s hearing, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque denied bail for all accused. Notably, Latif Siddique had no legal representation and refused to seek bail, reportedly expressing distrust in the court’s authority.
The case has stirred political tensions, with critics warning of shrinking space for dissent and freedom of expression under the current interim administration. An investigation is ongoing.
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