They were arrested on Friday evening from the third floor of a five-storied building at Aziz Mahalla in Mohammadpur for holding a secret political meeting.

Police and different intelligence agencies are now investigating whether the group of 22 was involved in militant activities.

However, the guardians of the arrestees, who are mostly students of universities and colleges, believe they are innocent and claimed they were holding a meeting to arrange a programme for the Eid-e-Miladunnabi when the law enforcers raided the place.

"We are worried about our son, as his future in now at stake," said a guardian while talking to The Daily Star yesterday.

Denying their involvement in any militant activities, a number of the parents said the spirit of Islam drive their sons and they work for the welfare of the society.

Officer-in-charge (OC) SM Shiblee Numan of Mohammadpur Police Station told The Daily Star that he believes the group's secret meeting was part of their political activities. He, however, said they are yet to find any evidence of militant activities of the group.

"We will finish our investigation in 30 days' time and a number of the arrestees might be remanded if necessary," the OC added.