Political parties take to streets on activities-banned Awami League's anniversary
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said if Awami League activists attempt to appear publicly and disrupt law and order, security forces – including police, RAB, BGB, and other agencies – will take necessary action.
Highlights:
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Jubo Dal announces nationwide protest marches; Chhatra Dal stages procession
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NCP announces district and metropolitan programmes
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Army deployed in 4 metropolitan cities and 2 districts
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Political parties are set to maintain a strong presence on the streets today (23 June) as the country marks the founding anniversary of the activities-banned Awami League, while law enforcement agencies have heightened security nationwide amid fears of unrest and possible confrontations.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said if Awami League activists attempt to appear publicly and disrupt law and order, security forces – including police, RAB, BGB, and other agencies – will take necessary action.
Jubo Dal has announced nationwide protest marches against what it termed propaganda, conspiracy, and politics of indecency, following an emergency meeting at the BNP's Nayapaltan office. Chhatra Dal also staged a procession in Shahbagh yesterday evening.
Separately, Ganadhikar Parishad held a protest in the Paltan-Bijoynagar area, calling for coordinated resistance against any resurgence of authoritarian politics. Party president Nurul Haque Nur said in a Facebook post that government action alone is insufficient and urged unified efforts under a "July force" to counter fascist revival.
11-party rally in Dhaka; NCP announces nationwide protests
A 11-party alliance led by Jamaat will hold a rally at Bijoynagar in Dhaka at 5pm today, demanding trials for alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and mass atrocities attributed to the "Awami fascist regime."
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the alliance has no declared action against any party, but warned that if any banned group attempts public mobilisation, the government must respond. He added that the alliance and citizens would resist any return of fascism if authorities fail to act.
NCP has also called nationwide demonstrations in all districts and metropolitan cities, demanding justice over enforced disappearances, killings, and mass atrocities.
Army deployed in metros, districts
The government has deployed the military in Dhaka and three other metropolitan areas, along with two districts, amid concerns over sabotage and illegal activities by activists of the Awami League.
A Ministry of Home Affairs letter said the deployment will continue until 30 June. The move follows a nationwide alert issued by police headquarters last week, warning that Awami League activists may attempt to raise party flags and stage processions at their local offices. Such actions could trigger violent clashes with other political groups.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Some subversive activities by the banned mafia network Awami League have come to the government's attention. They are attempting to create public unrest in different districts through processions and rallies."
He added that all law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain on maximum alert to prevent any disorder. In continuation of this, and based on specific intelligence, the government has deployed the army in aid of civil power to prevent sabotage, maintain order, and assist the civil administration.
