Section 144 imposed in Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati

Section 144 has been imposed in Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati’s Kaptai, banning meetings, rallies and public gatherings fearing deterioration of law and order due to the announcement of political programmes by the ruling Awami League and BNP at the same venue and same time.

Pekua upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Purbita Chakma issued this order around 12 am on Sunday.

Section 144 will remain effective from 6 am to 9 pm on Sunday from Sikdar Para stadium of the upazila to Pekua Alhaj Kabir Chowdhury Bazar.

According to sources, upazila BNP announced a protest rally at Pekua Chaumuhani square on August 28 in protest against the hike in fuel prices. On the other hand, upazila Awami League called a mourning rally at the same time and same venue.

The local upazila administration has imposed section 144 at Kaptai upazila in Rangamati district amid a tense situation over the programmes called by the ruling Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the same venue.

The upazila nirbahi officer Muntasir Jahan issued the order on Saturday night with effect from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday in the upazila and its adjacent areas.

During this period, all kinds of meetings, processions, public gatherings as well as gatherings of four or more people and all activities contrary to law and order will be prohibited, it said.

However, the restriction will not be applicable to government officials and the people engaged in emergency services, regular work and law enforcement.