Section 144 imposed in Habiganj as NCP, BNP affiliates announce rival rallies

The Habiganj district administration imposed Section 144 across the district town on Wednesday after the National Citizen Party (NCP) and BNP-affiliated organisations announced separate protest programmes at the same venue.

The restrictions were imposed at around 10am after the NCP and the BNP's associate bodies — Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal — announced rallies at the Town Hall premises at 3pm. 

Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahedul Haque said the district administration imposed the restrictions to maintain law and order. 

The NCP announced the rally and a protest procession to condemn Tuesday's attack on its leaders and activists.

Habiganj district NCP Convener Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal said several central leaders, including Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah and Dr Atik Mujahid, were travelling to Habiganj to attend the programme.

Tension continued to grip the district following Tuesday evening's violence.

According to the NCP, its leaders Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwary came under attack after addressing a programme marking the July mass uprising near the Court Mosque while they were leaving the venue.

Police later escorted the two leaders to the Circuit House for security.

Sarjis alleged that activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal carried out the attack. He claimed that one NCP activist suffered serious eye injuries after being struck with an iron rod, while another was critically injured.

He also alleged that vehicles carrying him and Nasiruddin Patwary were vandalised.

Witnesses said Nasiruddin, during his speech, criticised local BNP leaders and activists, accusing them of involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

Rejecting the allegations, Habiganj district Chhatra Dal General Secretary Zillur Rahman said there had only been a minor scuffle after NCP leaders made what he described as "offensive remarks" about the BNP and its affiliated organisations.

Police deployed additional personnel around the Circuit House to maintain law and order, OC Zahedul Haque said.

As of Tuesday night, NCP leaders were staying at the Circuit House under police protection.

No cases had been filed and no arrests had been made in connection with the incident as of last night.