Inspector General of Police M Mainul Islam announced on Monday that three individuals have been arrested for carrying a flag resembling that of the militant group Islamic State during a recent procession in Dhaka.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting security measures for Durga Puja at the Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on October 7, the IGP addressed concerns about rising militant activities following the July-August student-led protests.
Several militants and top terrorists had escaped from prisons during this period, and some banned organisations have recently held religious processions, with social media claims of participants carrying IS flags.
When asked about potential security risks surrounding the upcoming Durga Puja, the IGP stated, "We respect the right to express opinions freely. However, if anyone engages in militant activities or supports the ideology of IS or any banned group, there is no tolerance for that."
He further revealed that police recently arrested the media coordinator of the banned terrorist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, along with 10 others involved in a procession with the so-called IS flag.
He reassured the public that police actions against such banned organisations are ongoing.
The IGP also criticised the previous government's handling of bail for militants and terrorists, noting that the police are closely monitoring those who have been released.
"If anyone engages in terrorist activities again, there will be no chance for leniency—they will remain in jail," he added.
On Durga Puja celebrations, the IGP dismissed concerns that the number of mandaps (pavilions) had decreased due to security threats.
"Flooding in some areas might have reduced open-air mandaps, but that number is very small. More than 31,500 pavilions will host puja this year, with an increase of six mandaps in Dhaka alone," he said.