Alfadanga BNP factions announce rival rallies, administration imposes Section 144
The local administration has imposed Section 144 in Faridpur's Alfadanga upazila after two rival groups of the local BNP units announced separate programmes at the same place and time today (29 November) afternoon.
Alfadanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Rasel Iqbal issued the order, effective from 10am to 6pm today.
According to the order, public gatherings, rallies, protest marches, mass assemblies, movement of groups of more than five people, and carrying of explosives, firearms or any kind of weapons have been strictly prohibited within the Alfadanga municipality area, including schools, fields and market zones.
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Local residents and party sources said the upazila unit of the BNP had announced a public meeting at 3pm at the Asaduzzaman Girls' High School grounds to promote the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point agenda and to campaign in favour of its electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.
Meanwhile, another faction led by SM Khoshbur Rahman Khokon aligned with Boalmari BNP Vice-President Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu also declared a rally at the same venue and time.
They planned the programme to protest an attack on them on 7 November, observed as 'Revolution and Solidarity Day', and to demand the cancellation of the newly formed BNP committee.
In view of the escalating tension between the two sides, the upazila administration enforced Section 144 to prevent a possible deterioration of law and order, the UNO said.
"Two BNP groups announced rallies at the same time and place, creating risks of disorder and potential harm to public life and property. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, are on alert. Violating the order will be considered a punishable offence." UNO Rasel Iqbal said.
