Summary:
- The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has warned that it will take legal action against Hizb ut-Tahrir or any other banned organization attempting to hold public gatherings or conduct propaganda.
- Hizb ut-Tahrir was banned in Bangladesh on October 22, 2009, under the Anti-Terrorism Act for posing a threat to public safety and order.
- Activities such as meetings, rallies, and leaflet distribution by banned organizations are punishable offenses under Bangladeshi law.
- The DMP has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities linked to such groups.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has declared it will take immediate legal action against Hizb ut-Tahrir or any other banned organization if they attempt to hold public meetings, rallies, or propaganda campaigns in the capital. The warning, issued by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division on Thursday, March 6, underscores the authorities’ zero-tolerance stance toward groups deemed threats to national security.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, outlawed by the Bangladeshi government in October 2009 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, remains prohibited due to its alleged role in destabilizing public order. The organization’s activities, including assemblies, processions, and leaflet distribution, constitute criminal offenses punishable under the law. “Any banned group attempting to operate in Dhaka will face strict legal consequences,” Rahman affirmed, emphasizing the DMP’s mandate to uphold the 2009 ban.
The crackdown aligns with longstanding government efforts to curb extremism, particularly since Hizb ut-Tahrir’s prohibition followed intelligence reports linking it to subversive activities. Authorities argue the group’s ideological campaigns threaten social cohesion and democratic processes. Violators risk prosecution under anti-terror statutes, which carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.
This announcement comes amid heightened security vigilance ahead of politically sensitive periods, though officials did not cite specific triggers for the renewed warning. Analysts suggest the move reinforces Dhaka’s broader strategy to preempt unrest by neutralizing platforms that could incite violence or dissent. Residents are urged to report suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.
