Police on alert across country ahead of Awami League's founding anniversary

Police have put all units across the country on high alert ahead of the founding anniversary of the banned Awami League on June 23, fearing possible clashes and deterioration of law and order.

In an urgent message signed by DIG (Confidential) Md Kamrul Ahsan of Police Headquarters, all metropolitan police commissioners, range DIGs and district superintendents of police have been instructed to take necessary security measures.

Based on intelligence, the directive stated that leaders and activists of the party may attempt to hoist flags, display banners or bring out processions at party offices across the country on the occasion of Awami League's founding anniversary. Tensions or clashes are feared with activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the anti-discrimination student movement over such programmes.

The letter further noted that if potential programmes are obstructed, those involved may express anger towards police. Therefore, authorities have been asked to strengthen security measures in advance.

Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam said such alerts are part of routine security measures. There is no specific information about any major attack or security threat. However, police are on alert around June 23.

He said checkpoints and surveillance activities have been maintained at various important locations in the capital to ensure the safety of residents, and necessary measures will be taken as per the situation.