Section 144 in Pabna after BNP, AL declare rallies in same area

Pabna's Atgharia upazila administration has imposed section 144 at Naduria intersection and adjoining areas as local Awami League and BNP called counter programmes at the same venue and time.

Section 144 has been imposed from 6am today (September 27, 2002) to 12midnight, according to an announcement of Atgharia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Maksuda Akter.

UNO Maksuda Akter told our local correspondent that AL and BNP have called counter programmes at the same venue and time which might create tension in the area.

"In order to maintain law and order, we have decided to impose section 144 at the meeting place for the entire day, preventing any groups from congregating there. We have taken the action to ensure the security of the local populace," UNO added.

Officer-in-Charge of Atgharia Police Station Md Anwar Hossain said additional police has been deployed in the area from early today for implementing the section 144.

Habibur Rahman Habib, convener of Pabna BNP unit, said, "We have previously informed the police about holding our rally today to protest the rising costs of fuel, food, and other necessities and also received their approval, but suddenly the programme is being halted."

Majpara union AL President Emtaz Ali Khan said that a rally had already been announced at Naduria intersection. "According to the administration's instructions, we postponed our programme as per the request from police administration," Emtaz added.