DMP bans processions on Khaleda verdict day

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has slapped a ban on all types of processions and carrying sticks and arms in the capital from 8 February morning, the day a court is set to deliver its verdict on BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s graft case.

Fearing deterioration in law and order on the day, DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia slapped the ban using his authority as per section 28 and 29 of the DMP Ordinance.

He, however, did not say anything about holding public rallies.

In a press release, the DMP commissioner said he came to know from different sources in the intelligence and in the electronic, print and social media that certain group of people may create chaos and anarchy on 8 February centring on a verdict.

“Using my discretion given by the DMP Ordinance, I am slapping a ban on carrying all types of sticks, knives, other sharp weapons, explosive and inflammable materials in DMP areas from 4:00am morning on 8 February until further notice is issued,” said the DMP commissioner.

He went on to say, “I am declaring that traffic movement or the people’s movement should not be obstructed and no processions on the streets will be allowed.”

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged over 1,200 opposition activists were detained by the law enforcement across the country in the past seven days, centring on the verdict in the case against its chairperson Khaleda Zia.

A makeshift court is scheduled to give its verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust case on 8 February. Former prime minister Khaleda Zia, his self-exiled son Tarique Rahman and four others are accused in the case.

With a number of ministers and MPs dropping hints that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia would be sentenced to a certain jail term in the verdict.