Shahbagh left out of DMP ban amid anti-AL protests

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned public gatherings, processions, and rallies near the Secretariat, Jamuna, the chief adviser's official residence, and nearby areas.

However, the latest DMP notice, effective from today until further notice, does not mention Shahbagh where a blockade is ongoing demanding a ban on the Awami League, .

Talebur Rahman, DMP spokesperson, confirmed that The Daily Star that Shahbagh was excluded from the order.

The ban, issued by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, cites the need to maintain public order and ensure the safety of the chief adviser.

The restricted nearby areas include Hotel Intercontinental intersection, Kakrail mosque intersection, Officers Club intersection, and Minto Road.

Previously, on March 13 this year, and on August 25 and 29 last year, similar restrictions were imposed around the Secretariat and the chief adviser's residence. Despite these bans, multiple gatherings have taken place in these areas, according to earlier reports.

Over the past two days, the National Citizen Party and other protest groups have held rallies near Jamuna and Shahbagh, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

The March 13 notice explicitly included Shahbagh intersection in the restricted zone, but the latest order omits it amid the ongoing blockade in the area.