Security tightened outside CPB office in Dhaka's Paltan

Police presence has been increased in the area amid calls by online Pinaki Bhattacharya to "occupy" the office

Police have taken up positions in front of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, or CPB, headquarters in Dhaka's Paltan area following a call by author and online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya to "occupy" the office.

On Saturday, security was beefed up outside the CPB’s central office, "Mukti Bhaban", in Purana Paltan.

Some party members were seen sitting outside the office, while others entered the building.

Law enforcers had been stationed around the CPB office since the morning to prevent any untoward situation from arising out of duelling programmes.

At 10:30am, CPB leaders gathered in front of the office to deliver speeches condemning rape and violence against women.

“The tragic death of the child in Magura, who fell victim to patriarchal violence, has prompted us to declare a nationwide day of mourning,” said CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.

“As part of the programme, black flags will be hoisted at the central office and nationwide. Following this, we will hold a procession in the evening.”

Addressing the death of the child who was raped in Magura, CPB President Md Shah Alam said: “This shameful death after the child’s rape is something Bangladesh can no longer tolerate. The moral decay in our society is beyond imagination.”

“We were the ones who raised national awareness about the Tanu murder case, even though justice has yet to be served. We also held a procession in Sonagazi after Nusrat’s murder in Feni."

He continued, “The brutal abuse of the child in Magura has left a stain on the entire nation. Law and order has deteriorated to the point where the government cannot control it. Incidents are happening one after another. Therefore, we believe that any hate speech, propaganda, or attacks on women spread through various media must be banned by law.”

Eight left-wing groups announced a "mass procession" for Saturday to demand justice for murders, rapes and harassment, as well as the removal of Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

Opposing the procession, Pinaki took to Facebook to call for the CPB's Paltan headquarters to be turned into an office for students and the general public.

The organisations involved in the procession include the Bangladesh Students’ Union, Bangladesh Youth Union, Socialist Students' Front, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Hill Students' Council, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Charan Sanskritik Kendra, Central Khelaghor Asor, Socialist Women’s Forum, Bangladesh Khetmajur Samity, and Bangladesh Trade Union Centre.

The procession was scheduled to begin at 11am from the Central Shaheed Minar, passing through the Dhaka University VC square, and ending at TSC, according to CPB central committee member Lucky Akter.

However, Udichi, the Students' Union and the Socialist Students' Front issued separate statements on Friday, distancing themselves from the event.