Staff Reporter:
Police headquarters has issued a special security alert across the country ahead of the founding anniversary of the Awami League (AL), whose political activities remain suspended by a court order.
Based on intelligence reports, an urgent message was sent on Thursday to all metropolitan police commissioners, range deputy inspector generals (DIGs) and district police superintendents, instructing them to assess possible programmes and take strict security measures.
The alert also mentioned the possibility of major clashes among different political groups.
According to senior police sources, the alert warned that the party’s activists might attempt to hoist flags at party offices or bring out sudden processions with banners in different districts and upazilas marking the occasion.
The message said such activities by the banned party could lead to major confrontations with activists of other political groups, particularly the National Citizen Party and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
It also warned of possible attacks or resentment towards law enforcement agencies if such activities were obstructed.
Police at the field level have been instructed to remain highly alert and take preventive security measures.
Contacted, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said they have received the directive, but there is no specific threat or possibility of any major attack.
“This is part of our regular security measures,” he said.
