Dhaka: Police detained at least 16 leaders and activists of BNP-Jamaat and banned Islamist outfit Hijbut Tahrir for ‘sabotage plan’ from different places of the city during a drive continuing for

24 hours till this (Saturday) morning.

DMP deputy commissioner Masudur Rahman said 12 leaders and activists of BNP and one of Jamaat and three members of Hizb-ut Tahrir were held for planning subversive activities during the ongoing countrywide non-stop blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-Party Alliance.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia called the indefinite blockade from January 6 as the government did not allow her party and its allies to hold protest rallies in the capital on January 5.