Section 144 Imposed in Habiganj Amid Rival NCP-BNP Programmes

Section 144 has been imposed across Habiganj municipal area amid heightened tensions over rival political programmes announced by the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The restriction was announced on Wednesday in an order signed by Habiganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate G M Sarfraz. The administration said the measure was taken as a preventive step amid concerns that the simultaneous programmes could trigger clashes, disrupt public order and pose risks to public safety.

According to the order, the NCP had announced a protest rally and street meeting in Habiganj municipal area on Wednesday. At the same time and in the same area, the Habiganj Sadar upazila and municipal units of the BNP, along with the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, had announced counter-protest and sit-in programmes.

The district administration said a large turnout of supporters from both sides was expected. The possibility of the two groups gathering in the same place at the same time had created tension, raising fears of confrontation and damage to property. Authorities also expressed concern that any escalation could disturb public peace and lead to a deterioration in the overall law-and-order situation.

Under the order, gatherings of five or more people have been prohibited within Habiganj municipal area. The restrictions also cover public meetings, use of loudspeakers, processions, chanting slogans, picketing and activities involving the creation of excessive noise through any device. Any other activity considered capable of disrupting law and order has also been prohibited.

The order was issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, which empowers the administration to impose preventive restrictions in situations where there is a perceived threat to public safety or the maintenance of public order.

The latest restrictions follow a tense sequence of events in Habiganj. On Tuesday afternoon, after the NCP concluded its ‘July March’ programme, an alleged attack took place on a convoy carrying party leaders, with several activists reportedly assaulted. The NCP blamed the BNP for the incident, an allegation that has heightened political tensions in the district.

Later that evening, the NCP brought out a protest procession in the town. A fresh confrontation reportedly broke out during the procession, further intensifying concerns among local authorities about the possibility of renewed violence.

In response to the incidents, the NCP called for protest rallies in Habiganj and other parts of the country on Wednesday. The BNP and Chhatra Dal units in Habiganj subsequently announced counter-protest programmes, creating the prospect of rival gatherings in the same locality.

The imposition of Section 144 effectively prevents the two sides from holding their announced programmes in the restricted area and is intended to prevent further escalation. The move also reflects the administration’s concern that a large mobilisation by rival political groups could quickly turn volatile amid the already tense atmosphere.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Deputy Commissioner G M Sarfraz said the restriction had been imposed to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order in the area.

The authorities are now expected to enforce the restrictions strictly in the municipal area. The situation will remain under close observation as officials seek to prevent further clashes and restore normalcy following the recent incidents.