BNP and NCP counter-rallies prompt section 144 in Habiganj

The Habiganj district administration has imposed Section 144 across the Habiganj municipality following rival political programmes announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), and the National Citizen Party (NCP), amid heightened political tensions in the district.

The restrictions came into effect on Wednesday (July 29) morning and will remain in force until further notice, according to a notification issued by the district administration.

Authorities said the prohibitory order was imposed to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order as the three political groups announced separate programmes in the municipality.

The NCP has scheduled a protest rally and demonstration in Habiganj on Wednesday afternoon, alleging that its leaders and activists came under attack during a party programme in the district on Tuesday.

The BNP and JCD, however, also announced separate political programmes for the same day, raising fears of possible confrontations.

The latest developments stem from violence that erupted in Habiganj on Tuesday during an NCP programme. According to the party, its leaders and activists were attacked while carrying out a scheduled march in the district. The NCP alleged that supporters of the BNP and its affiliated organisations assaulted its activists, vandalised vehicles in the party's motorcade and obstructed its programme.

The clashes reportedly left several people injured, while multiple vehicles were damaged. Following the incident, NCP leaders strongly condemned the attack and announced nationwide protest programmes, including demonstrations across the country on Wednesday, demanding the arrest and punishment of those responsible.

The party claimed the attack was a deliberate attempt to suppress its political activities and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of its leaders and activists.

Meanwhile, BNP leaders rejected the allegations, accusing the NCP of attempting to create instability through provocative activities. The party maintained that its local leaders and activists were not responsible for the violence and announced separate political programmes in Habiganj.

With both sides remaining firm in their positions and announcing counter-programmes, the district administration decided to enforce Section 144 across the municipality to avert further deterioration of the law and order situation.

The prohibitory order bans public gatherings, processions, rallies and any activities that could threaten public peace within the municipal area. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed in strategic locations across Habiganj to ensure the order is enforced and to prevent any clashes.

Officials said the restrictions would remain in effect until the administration determines that the situation has returned to normal.