Former Awami League leader Jhuma and 7 other activists arrested in Durgapur

The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) has arrested Jannatul Ferdous Jhuma, former chairman of Durgapur Upazila and former Awami League leader. Seven other leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates have also been arrested along with her.

They were arrested in a drive conducted at various places in the capital on Wednesday (November 5) morning. Deputy Police Commissioner of the Media Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the matter to the media.

Jannatul Ferdous Jhuma is a former member of the Talukder District Awami League and has served as the Women's Affairs Secretary of the Durgapur Upazila Awami League. She is the daughter of the late freedom fighter and three-time former MP Jalal Uddin Talukder.

According to DB sources, allegations of her involvement in several secret meetings organized against the government were found recently. Based on these allegations, she and those concerned have been arrested as part of the investigation.

DMP officials said that the detainees are being interrogated and important information may be obtained from them. It is initially believed that an attempt was being made to secretly reactivate the organization in the name of political restructuring.

Meanwhile, the news of Jhuma Talukder's arrest has received mixed reactions from a section of the local Awami League. Some consider it a natural consequence of the political situation, while others say it is a "result of internal conflict".

The law enforcement agencies have informed that they cannot give any details until the investigation is completed. However, the matter is being viewed seriously and further operations have been indicated if necessary.