Dhaka, Nov 02 (V7N)- Security around the Jatiya Party (JaPa) central office in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area has been significantly heightened as police implement strict restrictions against gatherings set for Saturday. This development follows JaPa's planned rally in front of their headquarters, a move opposed by the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, who announced they would obstruct it.

In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued a ban on any assemblies in the vicinity, leading both parties to cancel their scheduled rallies.

The increased security presence comes on the heels of an incident Thursday, where individuals affiliated with the "Anti-Fascist Students, Workers, and People" allegedly threw bricks and engaged in clashes near the JaPa office, resulting in a fire and significant damage to the property. Both groups have accused each other of initiating the hostilities.

The demonstration, led by former Chhatra Odhikar Parishad president Bin Yamin Molla, began as a torchlight march from the Raju sculpture at Dhaka University, passing through Shahbagh and making its way towards Bijoynagar. Tensions escalated as protesters neared the JaPa headquarters. Molla alleged that JaPa’s planned Saturday rally was part of a political scheme to support the Awami League and called for the arrest of JaPa leaders. Student leader Mashiur Rahman also accused both JaPa and Awami League of conspiring against protestors.

In response to the escalating situation, the DMP imposed a blanket prohibition on all gatherings in the Kakrail area to ensure public safety.

END/MSS/AJ