In a move aimed at maintaining public order in the capital, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all forms of gatherings, meetings, and processions in several sensitive locations across the city. The announcement was made official through a notification issued on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
The directive, signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, cites Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76) as the legal basis for the order. According to the notification, the restrictions will take effect from Saturday, 10 January 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.
The areas under restriction include critical judicial and administrative sites, such as the residences of the Chief Justice, judicial complexes, and the main gates of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The DMP emphasised that no meetings, demonstrations, rallies, human chains, sit-ins, strikes, or processions will be permitted in these zones.
The police have also cautioned citizens against obstructing traffic under the guise of protests or public demands, stressing that such actions could cause significant disruption to city mobility. The notification noted that the ban is necessary to ensure public safety and facilitate the smooth movement of residents throughout Dhaka.
Restricted Locations and Prohibited Activities
| Area / Location | Specific Details | Prohibited Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Justice’s Official Residence | Residential compound | Meetings, rallies, demonstrations, human chains, processions |
| Judges’ Quarters & Complexes | Judicial housing areas | All gatherings, public demonstrations |
| JAGES Complex | Judicial administrative offices | Sit-ins, strikes, public assemblies |
| Supreme Court Main Gates | Principal entrance gates | Public processions, rallies, assemblies |
| Mazar Gate | Secondary access gate | Gatherings, protests |
| Jame Masjid Gate | Access to mosque precincts | Assemblies, human chains |
| International Crimes Tribunal 1 & 2 Gates | Tribunal entrances | Demonstrations, rallies, protests |
| Judicial Administration Training Institute Front | Training institute entrance | Public gatherings, sit-ins, processions |
In its statement, the DMP appealed for public cooperation to uphold law and order, reiterating that these measures are implemented in the interest of general safety and uninterrupted urban movement. Authorities emphasised that compliance with these restrictions is vital to preventing unnecessary tension or inconvenience in the city.
The police have urged all residents to remain vigilant, avoid participating in illegal assemblies, and report any suspicious activities in these sensitive zones.