The local administration has prohibited public gatherings in and around the Awami League (AL) office in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali after two factions of the ruling party called press conferences which were scheduled to run simultaneously at the same venue, reports bdnews24.com.
The order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code banned all types of meetings, rallies, processions and gatherings at the Upazila Awami League office and surrounding areas from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on Friday.
The decision was taken to maintain law and order amid growing concerns over a breach of peace, according to Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Amin.
Abdul Motaleb Hawlader, general secretary of Baufal Upazila Awami League and chairman of Upazila Parishad, called a press conference at the office at 10 am on Friday.
In response, Farid Ahmed, office secretary of the Upazila Awami League unit, announced a counter press conference to be held at the same place at the same time, prompting the UNO to issue section 144.
"No one can enter the area. All kinds of rallies, processions, and meetings will be banned," said Al Amin.
Security has been ramped up near the AL office and its surrounding areas to manage the situation, he added.
Bauphal Upazila unit of the Awami League has long been divided by a rift between the president and the general secretary. The two factions have been involved in conflicts at different times.
Unit's General Secretary Motaleb is a supporter of Municipal Mayor Ziaul Haque Jewel while Office Secretary Farid's loyalties lie with former chief whip ASM Firoz, also the president of the Upazila Awami League.
Sec 144 imposed at Bauphal AL office
Rival groups call press conference at same place
FE Team | Published: May 06, 2022 23:13:32
Sec 144 imposed at Bauphal AL office
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