Hasina warns of tougher movement

"I protest the government's such provocative decision, arrest and repression.... I like to caution the government not to create any situation through arrest or repression so that the opposition parties are forced to announce immediate greater agitation," she said.

In a press statement, Hasina said the 14 political parties, including Awami League, deferred all their programmes including the November 15 grand rally "for peaceful holding of the Saarc Summit without any hindrance."

"But without any reason," she said, police arrested workers of Awami League and its front organisations and conducted house search in different parts of the city on Sunday.

Hasina alleged that police arrested Ramna Thana AL Vice President Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Hazaribagh Thana AL Joint Secretary Mohaimen Boyan, Lalbagh AL leader Badal, Dhaka City (South) Jubo League leader Amanullah Dulal and Ward no. 34 Jubo League President Ilias Akand.

Besides, she said, many workers, including six from Motijheel, two from Ramna and two from Kafrul, were also arrested.

"It seems the government is virtually trying to foil the November 22 grand rally by resorting to arrest on the pretext of Saarc Summit," the opposition leader said.

Demanding immediate release of those arrested, Hasina said: "Otherwise, the government will have to bear all the responsibilities of any consequences."