MUNTAKIM SAAD and SHAHEEN MOLLAH

Police have arrested over 48,400 people across the country over the last one month, according to data from the Police Headquarters.

On average, the number of daily arrests over the past month stood at around 1,560 -- a figure higher than that recorded during “Operation Devil Hunt” earlier this year, which saw an average of around 1,330 arrests per day.

The highest number of arrests in a day, 2,271, was on May 10, just two days after former president Abdul Hamid left the country, sparking protests from various political and religious groups.

On May 12, the government officially banned all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated bodies on allegations of killings, crimes against humanity, and other grave offences during the July uprising.

Since then, law enforcement agencies have stepped up their actions, arresting AL leaders and activists, including several former lawmakers.

Shahjada Md Ashadujjaman, additional deputy inspector general (operations) at the Police Headquarters, told The Daily Star that the number of arrests has risen recently -- not due to any special drive, but because police have become more active.

He added that several months ago, around 1,000-1,100 people were arrested daily.

“Members of banned political parties attempting to continue their activities are also being detained, contributing to the rise,” he said when asked about the political arrests.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), along with its Detective Branch, has detained over 175 AL leaders and activists over the last one month, including eight ex-lawmakers.

Among the MPs are Momtaz Begum (Manikganj-2), Jebunnesa Afroz (Barishal-5), Kazi Monirul Islam Monu (Dhaka-5), Zafar Alam (Cox’s Bazar-1), Amirul Alam Milon (Bagerhat-4), Selina Islam (reserved seat-49, Cumilla), and Shamima Akhter Khanom alias Shamima Shahriar (reserved seat-21, Sunamganj).

Besides, former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor and also AL leader Salina Hayat Ivy was arrested on May 9 following a night-long raid at her residence.

Outside Dhaka, drives by police against AL members are also ongoing. Several union parishad chairmen in different areas have also been detained.

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