PHQ issues alert over potential clashes on AL founding anniv

The Police Headquarters has issued a nationwide alert ahead of June 23, warning of potential clashes involving Awami League (AL) activists and members of rival political parties during programme marking the party's founding anniversary.
It directed all police units to remain on alert and take necessary precautionary measures.
The headquarters said leaders and activists of AL, whose political activities are currently banned, may attempt to hoist party flags at local offices and bring out processions in different districts.
It also said such activities could lead to clashes with activists of rival political parties, particularly members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The alert also cautioned that AL activists may turn hostile towards law enforcement personnel if they are obstructed from carrying out such programmes.
The Police Headquarters issued a nationwide alert on Thursday as a precautionary measure, based on reports received from several intelligence agencies.
A senior official at the Police Headquarters said preparations are already underway to strengthen security ahead of the AL's anniversary.
Intelligence surveillance has been intensified as part of the precautionary measures, he added.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam has said there are no specific security concerns regarding the upcoming June 23 founding anniversary of AL.
He said police are maintaining a vigilant stance in connection with the day and that necessary security arrangements, similar to those taken on previous occasions, have already been put in place to ensure the safety of city residents.
Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre in the capital on Friday, he added that law enforcement agencies remain alert and prepared to manage any situation.
He said the DMP remains on alert ahead of the day.
"Security checkpoints at various locations are ongoing, and these activities will continue," he said.
Referring to the recent arrest and public display of an accused, identified as 'Kailya Faruk', in Mohammadpur over extortion allegations, who allegedly resumed criminal activities after being released on bail, Nazrul Islam said matters related to bail fall under the jurisdiction of the court.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com