Police have detained an activist, Syeda Ratna, who has actively been campaigning against the construction of an establishment on a playground in Dhaka’s Kalabagan area.
17-year-old son of the activist was also detained.
Police sources, however, had claimed that Ratna, a member of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, was “spreading misinformation” as the playground has already been allocated for the agency by the government.
According to bdnews24.com, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Senior Assistant Commissioner for the New Market zone Sharif Md Farukuzzaman said: “Dhaka’s deputy commissioner had handed over the rights for the land to police after clearing all the procedures. Syeda Ratna is accused of obstructing the government in its duties. She is in custody now.”
Sheyuti Shahgufta, Ratna’s daughter, said that on Sunday morning, Ratna, flanked by her son Priyangshu, identified with a single name, resumed their protest at the playground after noticing that construction materials were being kept in front of the ground entrance.
“My mother (Ratna) had started livestreaming the situation on Facebook. She and my 17-year-old brother were detained from there.” Sheuit said.
A police official said they were yet to decide on action against Ratna.
Human rights activist Khushi Kabir, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association’s chief executive Syed Rizwana Hasan, Alamgir Kabir and Ain o Salish Kendra’s Senior Coordinator Abu Ahmed Faizul Kabir had rushed to the Kalabagan Police Station upon receiving the news of Ratna’s detention.
They protested against the detention and urged police to free Ratna.
A few weeks ago, women in the surrounding neighbourhood joined the protest after police had fenced the playground with barbwires.