DMP bans meetings, protests near parliament during budget session

For the first time, the cabinet oath-taking ceremony has been held at the South Plaza of parliament. The venue is covered with vibrant flowers. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi

Ahead of the budget session, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken additional security measures on and around the parliament premises.

In an advisory on Friday, the DMP banned all types of meetings, gatherings, processions and demonstrations in and around the parliament building centring the budget session scheduled to begin on Sunday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin convened the session on May 7. exercising the power bestowed upon him by Article 72 (1) of the Constitution.

This is the second time parliament will sit since the BNP-led government came into power.

The budget session is usually long. Before the session, the Business Advisory Committee meets to determine the session’s duration.

Taking effect at 12am on Saturday, the ban will be in place until the end of the session.

The areas stretching from the Mohakhali crossing on Mymensingh Road to the Banglamotor crossing via the Old Airport and from the western end of the Banglamotor link road to the SAARC Fountain roundabout on Hotel Sonargaon Road will fall under the restrictions.

The ban will cover areas -

• From the eastern side of Panthapath to Farmgate via the Green Road junction;
• From the Shyamoli intersection on Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi-16 (old-27) Road;
• From the Rokeya Sarani intersection to the Bijoy Sarani circle via the old 9th Division (aircraft) crossing;
• From the eastern end of Indira Road to the western end of Manik Mia Avenue, and the reserved area of the parliament building and nearby roads and alleys.