AL regroups in Ctg: Five processions in three days, police struggle to contain situation

Leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations staged at least five sudden processions across Chattogram city over three days, prompting intensified police operations and renewed political debate.

Between Monday and Wednesday, separate processions were held at the GEC Intersection, New Bridge, Dewanhat, and the Anannya Residential Area. Law enforcement officials said a procession under the banner of MES University College Chhatra League at GEC on Monday was the largest since the ban, drawing around 150-200 participants. Other rallies reportedly involved more than 50 activists each.

Following the demonstrations, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) launched special drives and arrested 68 leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and affiliated organisations within 24 hours.

CMP data show the highest number of arrests, 13, came from Khulshi, followed by 12 each from Bayezid Bostami and Kotwali, 10 from Panchlaish, and seven from Double Mooring. Additional arrests were made in EPZ, Bakalia, Karnaphuli, Chawkbazar, Chandgaon, Halishahar, Pahartali, Akbar Shah, Bandar, and Patenga.

The issue gained further attention after videos circulated online showing detained Chhatra League activists chanting "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" and staging a procession inside the Chattogram court premises. Another Chhatra League procession emerged in the Anannya Residential Area yesterday.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chattogram city Member Secretary Arif Moinuddin questioned the apparent lack of preventive action by law enforcement despite what he described as "advanced intelligence about such programmes".

"Whenever there was information about an Awami League programme in the past, the administration responded quickly. But now, despite prior information, there has been little visible action by law enforcement," he told The Business Standard.

Referring to the July movement, Arif said any attempt to politically rehabilitate the Awami League would be inconsistent with public expectations for a new political environment.

BNP leaders, meanwhile, alleged that the programmes were intended to create political instability. Chattogram city BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said, "Those carrying out such activities openly appear to have some form of backing. Without financial support and strong leadership, they would not have the courage to operate this way."

CMP Assistant Commissioner (Media) Md Aminur Rashid said the recent activities could be part of a broader political strategy. "During Eid, police are primarily focused on public safety, preventing theft and robbery, and maintaining overall law and order. They may be trying to take advantage of that situation," he said.

He added that action against banned organisations and offenders remains a routine responsibility and would continue. While police do not currently foresee any sabotage threat, involvement in such activities could create further legal complications for those concerned.

Aminur also said social media is being monitored regularly and that CMP's Cyber Crime Unit is verifying misleading or false posts. Regarding recent large gatherings, he said police and intelligence agencies remain vigilant and are adapting their strategies accordingly.