Panic grips Pabna as banned outfit’s posters, graffiti reappear after 10 years

Authorities are currently identifying those responsible for the nighttime postering

The re-emergence of posters and graffiti bearing the name of the banned outfit Purbo Banglar Communist Party (ML-Red Flag) has sparked fear among the residents of Pabna, who have not seen similar propaganda materials for over a decade.

The materials were discovered on the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr across several key locations and marketplaces under the Ataikula Police Station.

Local sources reported seeing the propaganda in locations, including Ekdanta, Lakshmipur, Brihaspatipur, Bhulbaria, and several other rural hubs.

For the local business community, the sight of the red-inked posters has revived haunting memories of the region’s violent past, once defined by targeted killings and extortion.

"There was a time when we woke up every morning to news of murder," said one local trader, requesting anonymity.

"The atmosphere is tense, nobody wants to return to those dark days."

The posters reportedly call for the establishment of "proletarian socialism" while also touching on contemporary local issues, such as the protection of the traditional handloom (Tant) industry.

The outfit had been largely dormant following a mass surrender of its cadres during the previous Awami League administration.

Many former members, who received government financial aid to reintegrate into society, expressed no desire to return to militancy.

"We are living normal lives now and have no connection to this," stated one such operative.

A current activist of the group suggested that "political and economic disparity" is driving their attempt to reorganise.

Jamirul Islam, chief of Ataikula Police, confirmed that police teams have visited the sites and collected samples of the posters for forensic analysis.