Latif Siddiqui handed over to police after being confined at DRU

Former Awami League minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui and several others were handed over to police by an agitated crowd after being confined at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday (August 28) around 11:00 AM.

According to witnesses and sources, a roundtable discussion organized by a group named “’71 Mancha” was taking place at DRU. Latif Siddiqui, along with others identifying as journalists and teachers, attended the event.

However, shortly after the program began, a group of people surrounded the venue, claiming that a secret Awami League meeting was being held there under the guise of the discussion. Tensions quickly escalated, leading the crowd to block the exits and confine the attendees.

Eventually, police arrived at the scene, and Latif Siddiqui and others were escorted away in three separate police vehicles.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Hafiz Al Asad confirmed the detention and said that the individuals would be taken to Shahbagh Police Station.

Sub-Inspector (SI) Rashed of Shahbagh Police Station commented, “At this point, there’s no alternative but to take them with us. Senior officials will decide on the next course of action.”

Further developments regarding legal proceedings or charges, if any, are yet to be announced.