Tensions rise near CPB office after Pinaki Bhattacharya‍‍`s Facebook post

A tense situation unfolded in front of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) office in Old Paltan following a Facebook post by writer and online activist, Pinaki Bhattacharya. 

The post, in which Bhattacharya called for turning the CPB office into a “students’ and people’s office,” led to heightened police activity around the building. 

Despite the increased police presence, no untoward incidents occurred after the CPB held a procession from the office.

Early on Saturday, extra police were stationed in front of the Mukti Bhavan, where the CPB office is located. 

Some CPB members were seen gathering outside, while others entered the building. 

Law enforcement officials remained on alert to ensure that no disturbances would take place.

Earlier that day, the CPB had organized a protest against violence and sexual assault. 

The party leaders delivered speeches in front of the office around 10:30 AM. 

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince expressed his outrage, saying, "A young girl from Magura tragically died due to patriarchal lust. In protest of this incident, we have declared a nationwide day of mourning. Black flags will be raised across the country, and a mourning procession will be held in the afternoon."

CPB President Md. Shah Alam also spoke, criticizing the current state of morality in the country. 

He said, "The moral decay in Bangladesh has reached its peak. We have been protesting from the time of the Tanu murder to the Nusrat murder in Feni, and we are once again demanding justice."

The unrest surrounding the CPB office followed a Facebook post by Pinaki Bhattacharya, which called for turning the CPB office into a “students‍‍` and people‍‍`s office.” 

This led to the increased police presence, with law enforcement officials on high alert.

On the same day, a public procession was organized by several student and activist groups, including the Bangladesh Students’ Union, Bangladesh Youth Union, Socialist Students Front, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Hill Students’ Council, Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Charan Cultural Center, Central Khilaghor Asor, Socialist Women’s Forum, Bangladesh Agricultural Workers Association, and Bangladesh Trade Union Centre (TUC).

The procession, scheduled to start at 11 AM from the Central Shaheed Minar, was supposed to pass through Dhaka University’s VC Square and end at TSC. 

However, later that evening, Udichi, the Student Union, and the BASS-supported Socialist Students Front released a statement saying they would not be part of the event.

Following Pinaki Bhattacharya‍‍`s post, the situation near the CPB office became politically charged, with the police presence and conflicting programs adding to the tension. 

The development of the situation remains uncertain as the political landscape continues to evolve.