Section 144 imposed in Habiganj; NCP insists on rally despite ban

The administration has imposed Section 144 across the Habiganj municipal area following rising tension over rival programmes planned by the National Citizen Party (NCP) and BNP-affiliated organisations. 

The order was signed on Wednesday morning by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr GM Sarfaraz.

Despite the restriction, the NCP has declared it will press ahead with its programme. Leaders and activists of BNP’s associated bodies are likewise preparing to stage their own events, with party figures saying they will proceed according to the evolving situation.

The district administration’s order notes that the NCP had announced protest rallies and street meetings in Habiganj city on the same day. At the same time and place, Habiganj Sadar Upazila BNP, Municipal BNP, District Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal had also called protest rallies and sit-ins. 

Officials fear large gatherings from both sides could spark clashes, endanger lives and property, and worsen law and order. Section 144 was therefore imposed as an emergency preventive measure in the public interest.

Under the order, gatherings of five or more people, processions, meetings, slogan-chanting, picketing, miking and loud noise—and any other activity that might disturb public order—are prohibited throughout the Habiganj municipal area until further notice.

NCP party convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam, member secretary Akhtar Hossain, northern region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah and southern region chief organiser Sarjis Alam are scheduled to attend the NCP rally in the afternoon.

District Chhatra Dal president Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon said his organisation had planned a peaceful protest march against what it called provocative statements about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 

He noted that Section 144 was imposed only after the NCP announced a counter-programme, adding that the group respects the law.

District Jubo Dal convener Jalal Ahmed said the organisation would decide whether to hold its programme after assessing the situation, and had urged unit-level leaders and activists to assemble at the district BNP office.

Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, convener of the National Citizens Party Habiganj district unit, insisted the party remained determined to carry out its programme. 

He claimed the administration had imposed Section 144 to appease the BNP and alleged a premeditated attack on NCP leaders and activists in which police took no action. The party, he said, would file a case after the injured had received treatment.

Habiganj Superintendent of Police Tarek Mahmud confirmed that Section 144 had been enforced to control the situation. Police have been deployed at key points across the city and will take action once those responsible for the earlier attack on NCP leaders are identified.

On Tuesday evening, NCP central leaders alleged that their convoy was attacked in the Court Mosque area after a march from the town hall. Ten people, including main organisers Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwari, were injured.