In the wake of a violent clash between Ansar members and students in Dhaka, a court has ordered the imprisonment of 377 Ansar personnel, including two women.

The arrests come after the Ansar members continued their demonstration outside the Secretariat gates despite government assurances to address their demands for job nationalization.

The situation escalated dramatically on Sunday night as hundreds of students and others, angered by the continued blockade, attempted to disperse the protesting Ansar members. The confrontation turned violent, leaving at least 50 people injured.

The majority of the arrests, 191, were made in connection with a case filed with Shahbagh Police Station. Additional arrests took place at Ramna Police Station (85), Paltan Model Police Station (95), and Airport Police Station (6).

The incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding the Ansar's demands for job security and the challenges faced by the government in addressing these concerns.

The recent Ansar movement has been significantly influenced by Major General Amin, the younger brother of former Minister Enamul Haque Shamim.

Amin, who has a history of leadership roles within the Chhatra League, recently retired as the Director General of the Ansar force.

Amin's rise to power

Amin's loyalty to the ruling party was demonstrated during his time as a Defense Attaché in London, where he focused on monitoring BNP's Acting Chairman, Mr. Tarique Rahman, and reporting his activities to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

His dedication earned him promotions, ultimately leading to his appointment as the Director General of the Ansar force in 2022.

Under Amin's leadership, the Ansar force underwent a significant transformation, becoming a powerful paramilitary unit.

He recruited thousands of youths linked to the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League, and established the Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB), a heavily armed unit ready for any operation to protect the government.

Amin also ensured that regular Ansar members received full military training and modern weapons, preparing them to potentially replace the police if needed.

This approach drew comparisons to the Rakkhi Bahini, a controversial paramilitary force formed in 1972.

The Ansar force's involvement in the 2018 and 2024 elections, including the alleged distribution of Ansar uniforms to Chhatra League members, has raised concerns about their influence on the political landscape.

The government's satisfaction with the Ansar force's performance has led to plans to rename it the 'Bangladesh National Guard.' Furthermore, it's believed that Major General Amin orchestrated the recent Ansar rebellion following August 5.

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