Ex-Telecomm Minister Latif Locked: Lawful Lapse at ‘Moncho 71’ Meet

Former Post and Telecommunications Minister Latif Siddiqui was arrested while attending a roundtable meeting under the banner of a newly formed organization named ‘Moncho 71’.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 28 August, when a disturbance broke out during the event held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), prompting police to detain him along with several others.

The meeting, reportedly organized by some leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League amid the ongoing July Genocide trials, came under protest from members of the public identifying as ‘July Warriors’. The protest escalated into a scuffle when attendees under the banner of ‘July Warrior’, led by Al Amin Russel, claimed the meeting was a clandestine Awami League gathering.

It was reported that the DRU roundtable under the ‘Moncho 71’ banner listed Dr. Kamal Hossain as the chief guest, though he did not attend. Latif Siddiqui was present, along with a few other participants claiming to be journalists and academics. Some attendees were alleged to have political affiliations with the Awami League.

The crowd, accusing them of conspiring against the state, surrounded and restrained the participants. Subsequently, police took custody of the detained individuals, transporting them in three separate vehicles.

One participant, Golam Mostofa, identifying himself as a freedom fighter, told the media, “I am a participant. All freedom fighters, irrespective of party or creed, were invited. We had started the program. Latif Siddiqui sir was present. Kamal Hossain sir did not attend. About 20–25 men came and caused a disturbance. They surrounded us, but no one was physically harmed.”

According to DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Hafiz Al Asad, the detainees are being taken to Shahbagh Police Station. SI Rashed of Shahbagh Police Station noted, “At this moment, there is no alternative but to take them into custody. Senior officials will make further decisions thereafter.”