3 BGB platoons deployed in Habiganj

Three platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Habiganj amid counter programmes announced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizen Party (NCP).

BGB headquarters’ Media and Public Relations Officer Mohammad Shariful Islam confirmed the deployment on Wednesday afternoon.

The BGB official said the forces were deployed to prevent any possible unrest surrounding the rival programmes. BGB personnel are currently working alongside police to maintain law and order in the area.

Earlier on Wednesday, local administration imposed Section 144 in Habiganj municipal areas following concerns over possible clashes between BNP and NCP supporters. District Magistrate Dr G M Sarfaraz issued the order, citing fears of violence, damage to lives and property, disruption of public peace, and deterioration of the law and order situation.

Under the order, gatherings of five or more people, processions, rallies, and marches at designated locations within the municipal area have been banned until further notice.

Meanwhile, the NCP has called for nationwide protest rallies on Wednesday, condemning an alleged attack on its Tuesday march in Habiganj. The announcement was made through a press release issued by the party’s office cell.

The statement said the party decided to hold protests across the country in response to what it described as a “terrorist attack” by BNP activists on the vehicle convoy of NCP Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary during a peaceful march in Habiganj.

The NCP instructed its metropolitan, district, upazila, and police station-level units to organise protest rallies in their respective areas.

On Tuesday (28 July) evening, allegations emerged that the vehicle carrying Nasiruddin Patwary and Sarjis Alam was attacked by local Chhatra Dal activists while they were returning after a march near Town Hall in Habiganj city. Several NCP leaders and activists, along with journalists, were injured in the incident. Police later rescued them.