Police ban rallies near NBR, BIDA offices amid security concerns

The restriction will be effective from Sunday until further notice

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on public gatherings, rallies, and protests near offices of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), citing concerns over “public order”.

The restriction, effective from Sunday morning until further notice, applies to the stretch from DNCC Wonderland, also known as Shishu Mela, to Agargaon under Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, according to a DMP notice.

The DMP has prohibited all forms of rallies, assemblies, processions, and demonstrations in the vicinity of the NBR and BIDA offices to maintain public order under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, the notice said.

This move follows similar restrictions imposed earlier this month.

On Jun 14, DMP banned all gatherings in and around key judicial locations, including the chief justice’s official residence, the Judges’ Complex, and the main entrance of the Supreme Court, warning against blockades dubbed as protests.

Per the ordinance, the police commissioner, currently Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, has the authority to ban assemblies or processions for up to 30 days without government approval if deemed necessary for public order or safety.

Previously, on Jun 9, the DMP also prohibited demonstrations in the high-security zones around the State Guest House Jamuna, the Secretariat, and adjacent areas including intersections near InterContinental Dhaka, Kakrail Mosque, Officers' Club, and Minto Road.

Similar bans were issued on May 10 and Mar 13, which also covered Shahbagh and surrounding areas.

The recurring restrictions come amid heightened political activity following the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, which led to the formation of an interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus as chief advisor.

Since then, various groups have staged demonstrations near key government and judicial offices to press their demands, prompting repeated enforcement of public assembly bans by law enforcement authorities.