Banned Awami League holds torch rally in Banshkhali

Leaders and activists of the banned Awami League held a torch rally and protest in Banshkhali, Chattogram, under the party's banner. At least 50 activists are believed to have taken part in the rally. When police teams arrived at the scene after learning of the rally, the participants had already fled.

A video of the rally was circulated on social media from an account named Mohammad Borhan Uddin around 10pm on Thursday, August 13.

Police said the rally took place on a road between water bodies adjacent to the Chunti Bazar area of Baharchhara Union in the upazila. When police teams arrived, the participants had fled.

The three-minute-53-second video shows 40 to 50 young men carrying torches and chanting slogans in a procession. After the rally, they also protested at a local market. It was not immediately known where they went after the rally.

During the rally, activists chanted slogans including "Sheikh Hasina will come, Bangladesh will smile," "Sheikh Hasina government, needed again and again," "Selim bhai in Banshkhali, no fear of Sheikh Hasina," "Give gas, give electricity, or leave the seat," "We don't accept the illegal government, we won't," and "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu."

Confirming the incident, Banshkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rabiul Haque told Dhaka Post, "The video is being examined. Police went there immediately after receiving the news. Raids are ongoing to arrest those involved."

Earlier, on Wednesday night, a video of a rally of the banned Chhatra League in the Tailardwip bridge area of the upazila had gone viral on social media. That rally was held under the banner of KM Parvez Uddin, former vice-president of Chattogram South District Chhatra League, with the participation of over 50 activists.