Dhaka, August 25 – The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all types of meetings, gatherings, marches, processions, and demonstrations in the vicinity of the Bangladesh Secretariat and the residence of the Chief Adviser, Jamuna. The decision, aimed at maintaining public order amid ongoing tensions, was announced in a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Md. Mainul Hasan on Sunday night.

The notice, issued under the authority of section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76), stated that the ban would take effect from Monday, August 26, and would remain in place until further notice. The directive comes in response to the recent clashes and unrest near the Secretariat area, which have raised concerns over public safety and order.

Earlier on Sunday evening, a violent confrontation occurred between students and Ansar members in front of the Secretariat. The clash, which erupted around 9:20 p.m., left at least 40 people injured, including several journalists. The injured individuals, most of whom sustained head injuries, were promptly transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Md. Bachchu Mia, the Incharge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital Police Camp, confirmed that the injured started arriving at the hospital from around 9:30 p.m. and were being treated in the emergency department.

The unrest began following a Facebook post by Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, announcing their detention. This prompted a gathering of angry students at the base of the Raju sculpture around 8:30 p.m. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the students marched towards the Secretariat, leading to the altercation with Ansar members.

The situation at the Secretariat has also affected the regular operations of various ministries and departments, as officers and employees have been blocked due to the ongoing protests by Ansar members. In light of these developments, the army has been deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further escalation.

The DMP's prohibition on gatherings around the Bangladesh Secretariat and the Chief Adviser's residence is a preventive measure to avoid any further disruption and ensure public safety in the coming days.