Kalima flag rally held in Pabna, police say 'no prior information'

A rally carrying white and black flags with Kalima inscriptions was held in Pabna city on Thursday, July 3. Alongside religious slogans, protesters voiced opposition to the construction of a Ram temple in Gaibandha and protested the removal of Kalima-inscribed flags from Dhaka's Hanif Flyover.

The rally, organised under the banner of 'Pabna's Young Scholars and Students-Public', began from Abdul Hamid Road and ended at Shaheed Chattar after circling Bani Cinema Mor.

A video circulating on social media showed a group of 50 to 60 people wearing Punjabi and caps, carrying white and black flags with Kalima inscriptions and chanting various slogans. Police personnel were seen standing by the roadside during the rally.

However, Pabna Superintendent of Police Md Sufi Ullah said police had no prior information about the rally.

"There was no prior information with police about the rally. I am hearing about it from you for the first time. The matter is being investigated. If any attempt is made to create mischief or disorder with Kalima-inscribed flags, it will be dealt with sternly," he said.

Pabna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tariqul Islam said he had no knowledge of such a rally and would provide details after looking into the matter.