DMP issues fresh ban on gatherings near chief justice’s residence, Supreme Court

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued another public notice restricting gatherings in parts of the capital, five days after banning gatherings near the chief advisor’s official residence Jamuna and the Secretariat.

In a notice on Tuesday, DMP prohibited all forms of meetings and processions in several areas surrounding the Supreme Court and the chief justice’s official residence.

“Until further notice, all types of meetings, assemblies, public gatherings, processions, human chains, sit-ins and marches are prohibited in front of the honourable chief justice’s residence, Bicharpoti Bhaban, the Judges’ Complex, the main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, the Mazar Gate, the Jame Mosque Gate, the entry gates of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 and 2, and the Judicial Administration Training Institute,” the notice said.

It also urged groups not to block roads over protests or demands, saying such actions disrupt traffic.

On Dec 4, the DMP banned assemblies in and around the Secretariat and near the State Guest House Jamuna, including the InterContinental Dhaka crossing, Kakrail Mosque crossing, Officers’ Club crossing, Minto Road crossing and adjoining areas. That order did not include the chief justice’s residence, the Justice Building or the Judges’ Complex.

The police have been issuing such restrictions frequently amid demonstrations by various groups. Similar notices were previously issued on Mar 13, May 10, Jun 9, Jul 8, Sept 4, and Oct 11.

Under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, the police commissioner may prohibit assemblies or processions in the interest of “public order or safety”. However, without government approval, such a restriction cannot remain in force for more than 30 days.