Police ban gatherings in Ctg as NCP, BNP face off over graffiti dispute

The Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) has banned all types of public gatherings, processions and meetings from the GEC Intersection to Dewanhat in the city following tension over counter-programmes announced by the National Citizen Party and the BNP centring on a graffiti dispute.

The restriction came through a public notice issued by the CMP this morning (18 May).

According to the notice, all forms of public gatherings, rallies and meetings on the main road and surrounding areas from GEC Intersection to Dewanhat within the Chittagong metropolitan area have been prohibited from 18 May until further notice.

The notice, signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Showkat Ali, said the decision was taken to maintain public safety and law and order. 

It also warned of legal action against anyone violating the order.

Tension began over a controversy surrounding graffiti near the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) office at Tigerpass.

The city mayor’s media cell announced a graffiti painting programme on the road from Tigerpass to Lalkhan Bazar.

At the same time and venue, a separate “July Graffiti” programme was announced under the banner of “July Fighters”, creating a counter-position between the groups.

Meanwhile, images spread on social media showing white and yellow paint smeared over movement-related artwork on the pillars of the Shaheed Wasim Akram Flyover.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) alleged that there has been an attempt to erase memorials of July Uprising. 

However, the city corporation claimed no graffiti has been removed and that only posters have been cleared.

The situation escalated further when NCP leaders and activists held a protest and graffiti repainting programme in front of the city corporation office.

At the same time, BNP leaders and activists also gathered there, bringing the two sides face-to-face and increasing tension in the area.

Police later intervened to control the situation and subsequently imposed the ban on gatherings from GEC Intersection to Dewanhat.