The district administration has imposed Section 144 in the Habiganj municipal area, following announcements of counter-programmes by National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal.
The order, signed by District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner GM Sarfaraz, comes into effect at 3pm Wednesday and will remain in force until further notice.
According to the official notification, the NCP had scheduled a protest rally at the Habiganj Pourashava field to condemn attacks on its central leaders.
Simultaneously, the Habiganj district unit of the Chhatra Dal, along with the Habiganj Sadar Upazila and Municipal units of the BNP, announced counter-protest rallies and sit-in programmes at the same time and venue.
The administration expressed concerns that the gathering of a large number of activists from rival sides could lead to tension, clashes, and a significant deterioration of law and order.
To ensure public safety and maintain peace, the District Magistrate prohibited all meetings, processions, and the gathering of five or more people within the municipal limits.
The restricted areas include the Pourashava field, Tinkona Pukurpar, Shayestanagar, Cinema Hall Road, Chowdhury Bazar, Town Hall Road, Court Station, and the vicinity of the DC office.
Under the imposed restrictions, slogans, picketing, and the use of any equipment to create loud noises are strictly forbidden. The public is also prohibited from carrying sticks, bricks, local weapons, or any other objects that might disrupt public peace.
The authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these orders, which were issued under the powers conferred by Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The current standoff stems from an incident on Tuesday, when an NCP “July March” in Habiganj was allegedly attacked by Chhatra Dal activists. The NCP claimed that at least six to seven people were injured in the assault, including Sarjis Alam, the party’s chief organiser for the northern region.
Additionally, reports indicated that multiple vehicles carrying journalists were vandalised during the chaos. In response to the attack, the NCP declared nationwide protest and demonstration programmes for Wednesday, leading to the planned gathering at the Habiganj Pourashava field.
