HABIGANJ, July 30 (V7N) – Authorities have imposed Section 144 across Habiganj municipality following heightened political tensions and concerns over possible clashes surrounding separate programmes announced by the National Citizen Party (NCP), the Habiganj Sadar Upazila and Municipal units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.
According to an order issued by District Magistrate Dr G. M. Sarfaraz on Wednesday, the restrictions were imposed to prevent potential violence after rival political groups announced programmes at the same time and location. Officials cited the risk of clashes, damage to property, and deterioration of the law and order situation as the basis for the decision.
Until further notice, all public gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions, demonstrations, loudspeaker use, slogan chanting, picketing, and other activities that could disrupt public order are prohibited within the Habiganj municipal area. The order took immediate effect.
The NCP had earlier suspended two planned "July March" programmes in neighbouring Moulvibazar district and instead announced a protest rally in Habiganj, where several senior central leaders, including Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, were expected to attend. Meanwhile, the BNP and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also announced separate programmes, raising fears of renewed confrontation.
The latest restrictions follow clashes on Tuesday evening near the district administration office after an NCP rally. Witnesses said tensions escalated as the convoy of senior NCP leaders was leaving the venue, leading to chases and stone-throwing between opposing groups.
At least 20 people were injured in the violence, including NCP leaders Sarjis Alam, Nasir Uddin Patwari, and Habiganj district Member Secretary Mahbub Chowdhury Mubin. Police later escorted the party's central leaders to a secure location before transferring them to Sylhet under tight security.
NCP district Convener Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal alleged that activists affiliated with Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal attacked the party's convoy. However, district Chhatra Dal President Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon rejected the allegation, claiming his organisation had no involvement and asserting that local residents reacted to what he described as provocative remarks made during the rally.
Habiganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tarek Mahmud said law enforcement had deployed around 120 officers during Tuesday's programme and had taken additional security measures for the latest political events. He added that the situation remains under close monitoring.
The district administration has urged all political parties to respect the law and help maintain peace, while additional police have been deployed at key locations across the municipality.
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