At least nine people have been arrested so far in connection with attacks on the offices of two national daily newspapers and two cultural organizations in the capital. Law enforcement agencies have identified a total of 31 suspects by analyzing video footage.

The information was disclosed in a press release posted at 10:31 am on Monday on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Adviser.

On Thursday night, miscreants carried out vandalism and looting at the offices of two national dailies in the Karwan Bazar and Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue areas of Dhaka, before setting the premises on fire. The same night, an attack took place at a heritage cultural institution in Dhanmondi. On Friday night, another fire incident occurred at the central office of a cultural organization on Topkhana Road. The organization alleged that the fire was deliberately set.

According to the press release, the identities of seven of the arrested individuals have been confirmed. They are Md Kashem Faruk, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naim, Faisal Ahmed Pranto, Md Sohel Rana, and Md Shafiqul Islam. Two additional suspects were arrested by the Counter Terrorism Unit and the Detective Branch, and their identities are being verified.

Police said Rakib Hossain was identified through video footage as an active participant in the attacks. He also posted provocative content on social media.

Md Naim was arrested from Chauddagram in Cumilla along with Tk 50,000 in looted cash. During preliminary interrogation, he admitted to looting a total of Tk 123,000. A television and a refrigerator purchased with the stolen money have been recovered.

Sohel Rana was arrested from the Karwan Bazar railway line area. He has 13 cases filed against him, including drug-related offenses. Shafiqul Islam, arrested from the same area, has two previous cases related to arson and cocktail explosions.

The press release added that operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining identified suspects. Additionally, three individuals involved in attempts to create disorder near a foreign diplomatic residence in Chattogram have also been identified through video footage.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was held on Sunday to review the overall law and order situation. Emphasis was placed on maintaining stability ahead of the upcoming national election, and instructions were given to swiftly arrest those involved in violent and unlawful activities.