Section 144 in Galachipa over BNP-Gono Odhikar clashes

Local administration has imposed section 144 in Galachipa municipality and surrounding areas of Patuakhali district, following a series of confrontations between BNP and Gono Odhikar Parishad for two days.

According to an order issued on Friday morning and signed by Galachipa upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan, all kinds of gatherings, meetings, rallies, processions, protests and carrying explosives have been banned in the designated areas till 8:00am on June 15 next with effect from this morning.

Legal action will be taken if anyone is found in violation, reads the order.

However, Galachipa upazila unit of the Gono Odhikar Parishad announced to hold a press conference and a demonstration at 3:00pm and 4:00pm respectively today.

On Wednesday, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nuru at a party programme in the district accused BNP of its involvement with extortion and occupation.

Angered by the remark of former DUCSU Vice President Nur, local BNP men attacked Gono Odhikar Parishad supporters and vandalised party offices in Charbiswas and Charshibai unions of the upazila at night on that day, leaving several injured from the both sides.

Moreover, BNP and its associate bodies staged demonstration protesting Nur’s remarks on Thursday afternoon, triggering tensions in the upazila when Gono Odhikar Parishad reportedly prepared for the counter demonstration.

To avoid further clashes, police and army personnel were deployed in the municipality and surrounding areas.

A video showing that an argument broke out between Nur and an army official over the issue spread on social media.

Source: UNB