At least two people who went to the demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka to pay tribute on his death anniversary were detained on Saturday (15 August).

Security forces maintained a heightened presence at and around the site throughout the day.

Three people were also reportedly beaten at Dhanmondi 32 for allegedly chanting “Joy Bangla,” filming on their mobile phones and distributing singaras in front of the demolished residence. Two of them were among those detained.

Police have yet to identify the three people who were assaulted around noon near the entrance to Dhanmondi 32.

One of the detainees, identified as Arnab Das, was nabbed around 10am after reportedly going to Dhanmondi 32 to offer and lay flowers. He was later taken to Dhanmondi Police Station, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Imdadul Islam confirmed.

The OC told the media, “We have initially learned that the detained man is an active member of the banned organisation Jubo League. He is being questioned.”

Police also said the detainee is from Tangail.

Since early morning, police barricades had been placed on both sides of the road in front of the demolished residence at Dhanmondi 32. Vehicular movement on the road in front of the house was suspended, and no one was allowed to walk through the road either.

Journalists from different media outlets have gathered there since morning. Curious onlookers were also seen gathering, while a large number of law enforcement personnel were deployed. Police armoured vehicles were also kept ready.

At around noon, a rickshaw puller was reportedly seen recording a video on his mobile phone at the entrance to Dhanmondi 32. He was accused of sending the video to a member of the Jubo League. Several people then beat him up. Police later arrived and detained him, taking him to Dhanmondi Police Station.

Another man who was present when the rickshaw puller was beaten chanted “Joy Bangla.” He was subsequently beaten as well. At one point, the man ran away.

Another man was beaten on allegations that he was distributing singaras to mark the death anniversary of Mujib. The man was seen carrying a bag containing singaras. He also ran away from the scene during the beating.

Dhanmondi zone Assistant Commissioner of DMP Saddam Hossain told journalists that adequate police personnel had been deployed.

“We are trying to keep the situation calm,” he said.