Why Did Dhaka Police Ban Public Gatherings Near Yunus' Residence and Secretariat?
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Dhaka, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has enforced a prohibition on all forms of public assemblies in significant locations throughout Bangladesh's capital, specifically in proximity to the Secretariat and Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, as reported by local media on Sunday.
As stated in a notice from DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, this restriction, which takes effect immediately, has been enacted under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976. The measure aims to uphold public order and ensure the safety of the Chief Advisor, according to the United News of Bangladesh. This order will remain in place until further notice.
All forms of meetings, rallies, gatherings, human chains, sit-ins, and similar activities have been prohibited in and around the Secretariat and Jamuna. The specific locations affected by this restriction encompass Kakrail Mosque crossing, Officers Club crossing, Hotel InterContinental Crossing, and Mintoo Road crossing.
In a related event, lawyers in Dhaka on Sunday formed a human chain to protest against the murder of Pabna Judge Court trainee lawyer Naeem Kibria, who was killed following a motorcycle collision in the Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital. The demonstration, which took place in front of the Dhaka Bar Association, was organized by Sachetan Abiyani Samaj, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
During the protest, Advocate Anwarul Islam condemned the killing and called for a swift trial. "It has been several days since lawyer Naeem Kibria was murdered, yet no one has been apprehended. This contradicts the principles of the July movement and the uprising of 24. We envisioned a Bangladesh where equal rights and justice are assured for all. Regrettably, reports of killings are becoming commonplace. We demand a thorough investigation and trial," he stated.
The protesting lawyers emphasized that this incident highlights the urgent need for a clear and effective legal framework to protect lawyers in Bangladesh. They also called for investigations and trials in all murder cases within the country.
Kibria, 35, a lawyer at the Pabna Judge Court, was brutally killed in the Bashundhara Residential Area on the night of December 31. According to Kibria's cousin Rafiqul Islam, he fell victim to mob violence. "The assailants also damaged the private vehicle he was driving. He had been out in a friend's car," he shared.
Police reports indicate that Kibria was traveling through the Bashundhara area around 10 pm on December 31 when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle. Unidentified youths, including the motorcyclist, allegedly dragged him from his car, assaulted him, and left him on the road before fleeing the scene, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Upon receiving the news, his cousin rushed to the location and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.