Processions, rallies banned in capital

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police on February 6, banned processions and demonstrations on the capital’s roads blocking traffic and pedestrian movements for an indefinite period beginning 4 AM on Thursday.
In the prohibitory order, DMP also said that none would be allowed to even sit down or keep standing on the streets.
DMP also banned carrying sticks, knives, other sharp weapons, explosives and inflammable substances.
The DMP said in a press release that the steps were taken following information that there could be attempts by certain individuals and groups at obstructing public security and order centering the delivery of verdict of an under trial case on February 8.
The press release signed by DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said that he imposed the restrictions in exercise of the powers vested in him under Sections 28 and 29 of the DMP ordinance.
On February 8, Dhaka 5th Special Judge’s Court is scheduled to give its verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others.
Police patrols were stepped up on the capital’s streets.
Heavy contingents of police were also stationed at key points of the capital.
Police and the other enforcement agencies were seen frisking passersby at numerous check posts since Monday.
BNP protested the ban on free movement of people and called totally unfair on the pretext of law and order.
Banning processions and rallies in the capital was uncalled for and unjustified, said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
He called it as a ‘dangerous black order.’
Briefing reporters at the BNP central office at Naya Paltan, he said that the government would never succeed in controlling people’s anger using the law and the arms.
Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal and Democratic Left Alliance also denounced the ban on rallies and meetings.

This article was originally published in Newage Bangladesh