Nearly 17,000 suspects held in 10 days
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Nearly 17,000 people, including political workers, have been held in the last 10 days since the joint forces launched a countrywide special operation on May 28 midnight, reports UNB.
Police Head Quarters sources told the news agency some 16,916 people were picked up and 131 different types of firearms netted during the drive until 6:00am Saturday.
However, the police could not say the precise number of political activists among the arrestees.
Awami League and BNP are alleging that the drive is targeted to their party leaders and workers at district and upazila levels to thwart any anti-government agitation.
They alleged most of the arrested leaders and workers were "innocent", without having any charge or case against them. They were being rounded up on charges of violating the emergency power rules.
Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch described the arrest as "arbitrary' and said they could result in breakdown of the country's prison system, already under pressure.
Police Head Quarters sources told the news agency some 16,916 people were picked up and 131 different types of firearms netted during the drive until 6:00am Saturday.
However, the police could not say the precise number of political activists among the arrestees.
Awami League and BNP are alleging that the drive is targeted to their party leaders and workers at district and upazila levels to thwart any anti-government agitation.
They alleged most of the arrested leaders and workers were "innocent", without having any charge or case against them. They were being rounded up on charges of violating the emergency power rules.
Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch described the arrest as "arbitrary' and said they could result in breakdown of the country's prison system, already under pressure.