Police have detained Abu Zafar Surya—a former president of a faction of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ)—from the headquarters of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) at the GPO intersection in the capital’s Gulistan area.

Abu Zafar Surya was detained around 2:30 PM on Saturday (September 26). He was subsequently taken to Paltan Police Station in a police van.

Earlier, it was reported that over a hundred leaders and activists had gathered at the Jasad office. Upon learning of this, the Joint General Secretary of the Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee, along with leaders and activists from the Paltan Thana unit of Jubo Dal, surrounded the Jasad office. A large police contingent, including Harun-or-Rashid, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Motijheel Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), arrived at the scene. Around 4:00 PM, several individuals were seen being brought out of the office in handcuffs.

Police personnel present at the scene stated that the detainees were being taken to Paltan Police Station, where further action would be determined following verification.

Regarding the matter, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Inspector (Investigation) of Paltan Police Station, said, “Many people have been detained from the scene and brought to the station. They are being interrogated. No one’s identity has been confirmed yet. Necessary measures will be taken after the interrogation.”

Meanwhile, a photograph showing Abu Zafar Surya in handcuffs has been posted on his Facebook profile.

The post reads: “Today, while I was performing my professional duties at a Jasad representative meeting, the police handcuffed me—along with many others—and took us away. I do not know where they are taking us. I am currently at Paltan Police Station.”