Police have arrested 81 leaders and activists of Awami League and its affiliated organisations whose activities were banned in separate drives in Cumilla district on Monday.

The drive began on November 6 and continued till November 8, said Additional Superintendent of Cumilla Police Md Lutfor Rahman while talking to reporters on Monday.

Among the arrestees, 11 were detained from Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station area, four in Cumilla Sadar South Model Police Station area, 10 in Chauddagram, seven in Chandina, three in Burichang, five in Brahmanpara, 10 in Barura, four in Laksam, two in Monoharganj, four in Nangalkot, two in Daudkandi, one in Titas, three in Homna, two in Meghna, two in Debidwar, one in Muradnagar, four in Bangra Bazar and four in Lalmai.

Besides, Detective Branch of Police also arrested two more people from the district, he said.

Members of the banned organisation had allegedly been involved in processions and other criminal activities aimed at creating instability in the country, said police.

To prevent such activities, police conducted coordinated operations across 18 police station areas in the district from November 6 until the night of November 8, he said.

All 81 arrestees have been sent to Cumilla Central Jail in phases through court orders, the police official added.