Section 144 imposed in Habiganj as BNP, NCP announce couner-programmes

The Habiganj district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure across the municipal area to prevent possible clashes over rival programmes announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizen Party (NCP).

The restriction came into effect from Wednesday morning (July 29) and will remain in force until further notice.

The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr GM Sarfaraz. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Moinul Haque confirmed the development, saying the measure was taken in the interest of public safety amid fears of a deterioration in law and order due to simultaneous political programmes.

According to the district administration, the NCP had earlier announced a protest rally and roadside gathering in Habiganj. At the same time, Habiganj Sadar Upazila BNP, Habiganj Municipal BNP and the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal announced a protest rally and sit-in programme.

With a large turnout expected from both sides, the administration decided to enforce Section 144 to avert any untoward incidents.

Under the order, all gatherings of five or more people, public meetings, processions, demonstrations, sloganeering, picketing, the use of loudspeakers, excessive noise and any activities that could disrupt law and order are prohibited within Habiganj municipality.

The administration said the restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to maintain public order and that the situation would be monitored before further decisions are taken.

Political tensions in the district escalated after the NCP alleged that its procession and motorcade came under attack in Habiganj on Tuesday (July 28), leaving several of its senior leaders and activists injured.

In protest, the party announced nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday.