Awami League activists use crude bombs to free detainees from Shyamoli procession: police

Police say five or six people were detained when 25–30 motorcycles arrived and set off explosives before whisking them away

Activists of the Awami League, whose political activities are banned, have detonated improvised explosives to free several people detained during their latest procession in Dhaka's Shyamoli, according to police.

The incident took place around 11am on Tuesday, when several hundred leaders and activists of the disgraced party rallied in front of the Shishu Mela amusement park.

A police officer at the scene said around six people were initially detained, but almost immediately, around 25 to 30 motorcycles carrying other party men arrived at the scene, set off improvised bombs, and dragged them away from police custody.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station chief Md Imamul Haque also confirmed the account, saying the detainees could not be held because of the “backup team” from the Awami League.

“At the Shyamoli Shishu Mela intersection, Awami League men were preparing for a procession in the presence of several police officers. Five or six people were detained, but then 25–30 motorcycles carrying others arrived as a backup team. They set off several explosives and whisked them away,” said Imamul.

Nevertheless, police managed to detain six others during the incident, including a few motorcycle riders. A two-wheeler was also seized.

“As they were taking people away after setting off cocktails, police detained six of them along with a motorcycle,” said Imamul.