DMP bans gatherings near Secretariat, chief advisor’s residence again

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has once again imposed a ban on gatherings at several key locations in the capital, citing public order and security concerns.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said all forms of meetings, rallies, mass gatherings, processions, human chains and sit-ins have been prohibited at the Bangladesh Secretariat and the official residence of the chief advisor State Guest House Jamuna, along with the surrounding areas.

The restriction will come into effect from Monday, Jan 5, and will remain in force until further notice, according to the notice.

It said the ban has been imposed in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of the chief advisor, under the powers conferred by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance.

The restricted zone includes the Bangladesh Secretariat and its adjacent areas, as well as the area around the chief advisor’s residence, stretching between Hotel Intercontinental Crossing, Kakrail Mosque Crossing, Officers’ Club Crossing and Mintu Road Crossing.

The DMP has urged all concerned to comply with the directive.

The metropolitan police have issued similar public notices several times in the past, imposing bans on gatherings in these areas.