144 in Bagerhat’s Kachua over BNP rally, ex-MP’s reception

Bagerhat

Bagerhat, Dec 17 - The administration in Kachua upazila of Bagerhat has imposed Section 144 to avert potential clashes, as two separate events were scheduled to be held at nearby venues in the Goalmath area on Tuesday.

The restriction, effective from 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, was enforced following an order issued on Monday night by Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) KM Abu Noushad. 

The order prohibits all public gatherings, meetings and the carrying of firearms within one-kilometer radius of the venues, including the Goalmath Rashik Lal Secondary School and the Majeda Begum Agricultural Technology College grounds.

However, emergency services and law enforcement personnel are exempted from the restriction. 

According to local sources, a reception for MAH Selim, former MP of Bagerhat-2 constituency and ex-president of the district BNP, was planned at the Majeda Begum Agricultural Technology College grounds on Tuesday afternoon.

Simultaneously, Kachua upazila BNP had announced a public rally at the nearby Rashik Lal Secondary School grounds. 

With tensions reportedly escalating between supporters of the both events, the administration took the preventive step to ensure public safety and order. 

“Both venues are located in close proximity and there was a risk of unwanted incidents. Considering the circumstances, Section 144 has been imposed as a precautionary measure,” said UNO KM Abu Nowshad. -UNB