Section 144 Imposed in Habiganj Over Rival Political Rallies

Authorities have imposed Section 144 across Habiganj municipality after rival protest programs announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizen Party (NCP) raised concerns about possible clashes.

The order was issued by the district administration through a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr. G. M. Sarfaraz.

Under the order, Section 144 takes effect from 3:00 p.m. and will remain in force until further notice.

According to the district administration, the NCP planned a protest rally in Habiganj municipality while the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and its affiliated organizations scheduled a separate program at the same time. Officials said the large gatherings could lead to tensions, violence, property damage, and a deterioration of law and order.

To prevent unrest, authorities have banned all public meetings, rallies, processions, demonstrations, and other gatherings in key areas of the municipality.

The restrictions cover the Municipal Ground, Tinkona Pukurpar, Shayestaganj, Cinema Hall Road, Chowdhury Bazar, Town Hall Road, the Court Station area, the vicinity of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, and surrounding locations.

The order also prohibits carrying bricks, sticks, locally made weapons, or any items that could be used to disrupt public order.

The administration said the restrictions were issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and violators will face legal action.

The move follows an alleged attack on senior NCP leaders, after which the party announced nationwide protests. As part of that campaign, the NCP scheduled a rally at Habiganj Municipal Ground at 3:00 p.m. The BNP's student wing and allied organizations also announced programs at the same time, prompting authorities to impose emergency restrictions to maintain public safety.