The police have warned of possible clashes between leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League, whose activities are now banned, and members of various political parties, particularly the National Citizen Party and Students Against Discrimination, across the country over the AL’s founding anniversary on June 23.
They said that necessary measures would be taken to prevent any untoward situation.
In a letter dated June 18, the police also said that Awami League leaders and activists might become aggrieved if obstacles were placed in the way of the party’s activities.
According to the Police Headquarters letter signed by deputy inspector general of police Md Kamrul Ahsan, all metropolitan police commissioners, DIGs of police in all ranges and the additional DIG of police (operations) at the Police Headquarters have been asked to remain alert and take adequate security measures.
The letter also said that there was a possibility of clashes between leaders and activists of the AL and, in particular, those of the NCP and SAD.
Leaders and activists of the NCP and SAD spearheaded the July mass uprising that ousted the Awami League regime led by Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. Hasina fled to India for shelter the same day.
The PHQ letter said that the Awami League might hoist flags at district offices across the country and bring out processions openly with banners marking its founding anniversary.
Khulna Metropolitan Police commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan told New Age that they had received the letter and would take additional measures, including patrols and check posts, to avoid any untoward situation marking the AL’s founding anniversary.
‘We have also heightened our intelligence surveillance,’ he added.
Responding to a question at a briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Media Centre in the capital on Friday, DMP additional commissioner for crime and operations SN Nazrul Islam said that there were various programmes throughout the year and that the next major event was Ashura, a day of commemoration in Islam.
‘Besides, a political party’s founding anniversary is on June 23. We are on the highest alert. We are taking necessary measures such as setting up check posts, conducting patrols, special drives and other security measures, and this will continue,’ he added.
PHQ DIG (confidential) Md Kamrul Ahsan, however, denied making any comment in this regard.
The AL and its front organisations have recently increased the number of flash processions in different parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chattogram cities.
On May 11, 2025, the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government banned all activities of the Awami League until the party and its leaders are tried by the International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity during the mass uprising.
Almost all senior AL leaders, including party president Sheikh Hasina, are facing ICT cases.
