CHITTAGONG: Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) banned all kinds of rallies, meetings and sit-ins in the metropolitan area from Thursday (October 24).

As per sections 29, 30, 33 and 34 of CMP Ordinance, 1978 Police Commissioner M Shafiqul Islam made the prohibition on Wednesday.

Confirming the matter, Additional Commissioner of CMP (Crime and Operation) Banaj Kumar Majumder told banglanews that CMP took the decision as BNP decided to organize rallies at the Laldighi Maidan on October 24, 25 and 26 while Awami League decided to organize rally here on October 25 and 26.

He also said, “We (CMP) tried to reconcile the matter by discussing with the two parties but they are unyielding about their decisions to arrange rallies. This is why we have taken the decision to maintain law-and-order situation in the city.”

Earlier, on Sunday (October 20) BNP sought permission from CMP to arrange rallies at Ladighi Maidan for October 24, 25 and 26.

Besides, Awami League, on the next day (Monday), also sought permission from CMP to organize rally here on October 25 and 26.

After the announcement by Awami League, Chittagong Metropolitan BNP president Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury declared to arrange rallies at the Laldighi Madain by any means.

This situation forced the CMP to declare the prohibition on rallies and sit-ins indefinitely.

BDST: 1910 HRS, OCT 23, 2013
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