Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has foiled a secret plan by the banned Awami League to release one lakh (100,000) gas balloons carrying party slogans across Dhaka city, including around the State Guest House Jamuna. The elaborate plan, aimed at displaying political messages despite an organizational ban, ended with the arrest of 25 individuals allegedly linked to the operation.
According to DB officials, the arrests were made over the past 24 hours in a series of coordinated raids across different parts of the capital. The detainees were reportedly plotting to launch surprise processions (“flash marches”) and release balloons between November 10 and 12 — acts that police claim were designed to create public panic and disrupt law and order.
The DB divisions that took part in the operations include Mirpur, Ramna, Motijheel, Wari, Uttara, Tejgaon, Lalbagh, Gulshan, and the Cyber Division. Among those arrested are leaders and activists from the Awami League and its associated wings such as Jubo League, Chhatra League, Sramik League, and others.
Notable arrestees include Ruphchan Bepari, President of Nowpara Union Sramik League; Abrar Khan Tahmid, Science Secretary of Dhaka South Chhatra League; former Sher-e-Bangla Nagar AL Treasurer ABM Nurul Haque; former Shahbagh AL Education Secretary Abul Kalam Azad; Fisheries League leader Mahbub Rahman; Paltan Jubo League General Secretary Akbar Hossain; and Sylhet City Jubo Mohila League General Secretary Morium Parvin, among others.
DB sources stated that the arrested individuals were preparing to use the balloon campaign as part of a broader effort to revive banned political activities, spread propaganda, and destabilize the capital’s security situation. The balloons, emblazoned with Awami League slogans, were reportedly to be released simultaneously from multiple points in Dhaka to attract attention and convey political messages.
A senior DB official said, “We were able to intercept the plan before its execution. Strict surveillance and legal action will continue against those attempting to instigate unrest or disrupt public order.” Legal proceedings are now underway against the detainees, and further investigations are ongoing to identify others connected to the plan.