Police HQ issues alert over possible clashes on AL founding anniversary

Police Headquarters has issued a nationwide alert over fears of possible clashes between the banned’s Awami League activists and members of other political parties, centring on the party’s founding anniversary on 23 June.

In a communication yesterday (18 June), it directed all police units across the country to remain on alert and take necessary precautionary measures.

According to the communication, leaders and activists of the Awami League may try to hoist party flags at local offices and bring out processions carrying banners marking the party’s founding anniversary in different districts across the country.

Such activities could trigger confrontations with activists from other political parties, especially members of the National Citizen Party and the Students Against Discrimination movement, creating a risk of law and order deterioration.

The directive also warned that Awami League activists could become hostile towards law enforcement if they are obstructed from carrying out such programmes.

Several officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and superintendents of police in different districts confirmed receiving the precautionary instructions.

Sources at Police Headquarters said the nationwide alert was issued as part of advance precautionary measures based on reports received from several intelligence agencies.

Police have already begun preparations to strengthen security measures ahead of the Awami League anniversary, while intelligence surveillance has been intensified, the sources said.