Police have arrested 53 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in the capital’s Vatara area.

They were arrested from a flat in Bashundhara Residential Area around 9:05pm on Thursday, said Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Niaz Mehedi of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

He said the leaders and activists of the Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, gathered at the flat to hold a preparatory meeting and organise a flash procession on the occasion of August 15.

Niaz Mehedi said police raided the flat and arrested 53 people from the spot while they were allegedly chanting anti-state slogans and carrying placards and banners.

Legal proceedings against those arrested are underway, he said.

The DMP said it is continuing surveillance and operations across the capital to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.