By Halim Mohammad (Dhaka Bureau)
The Government of Bangladesh has issued a maximum security alert across the country ahead of the 77th anniversary of the Awami League, the nation’s oldest political party. Acting on intelligence reports warning of potential ‘hit-and-run attacks and sabotage,’ the government has deployed the Army and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ framework in the capital Dhaka and six other crucial districts.
Founded on June 23, 1949, at the historic Rose Garden in Old Dhaka, the Awami League was ousted from power on August 5, 2024, following a mass student-led uprising. Subsequently, in May 2025, the interim government banned the political operations of the party and its affiliates via an executive order. This ban was later sustained through a legislative act passed in Parliament after the new BNP-led government assumed power following the general elections on February 12, 2026. Under this significantly altered political landscape, the party has no opportunity to hold public demonstrations, prompting the authorities to establish a rigid security blanket nationwide to foil sudden processions or unexpected chaos.
Unprecedented Security Blanket in the Capital and Key Districts
A special notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs detailed that to prevent vandalism and deterioration of law and order by the banned organization through illegal rallies or showdowns, the military deployment has been authorized from June 22 to June 30.
Key highlights of the security layout include:
* Massive Police Deployment: Around 18,000 police personnel and intelligence operatives have been deployed in the capital city of Dhaka alone to prevent any potential sabotage.
* Tactical Preparedness: Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, and riot cars have been stationed at key intersections and vital installations, alongside striking forces, fire service units, and ambulances kept on standby.
* Districts Under Military Vigil: Troops have been mobilized to maintain public safety, law and order, and protect citizens’ property across the Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Chittagong Metropolitan Area, Gazipur Metropolitan Area, Narayanganj, Gopalganj, and Faridpur districts.
S.N. Nazrul Islam, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), clarified that while there is no specific threat of sabotage, patrolling and intelligence surveillance have been significantly tightened to keep the law and order situation stable.
Flash Processions and Nationwide Crackdown
Despite the restrictions, reports indicate that activists from the Awami League and its affiliated wings have attempted to gather secretly in various parts of the country. Law enforcement agencies have already arrested several leaders and activists from different regions.
* Dhaka and Gazipur: In the capital, police thwarted attempted marches by the youth wing, Youth League (Jubo League), near the Gono Bhaban and Dhanmondi areas, detaining several individuals. Gazipur District Commissioner, Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan confirmed that executive magistrates, the BGB, and the military have been actively patrolling the field since Monday.
* Anti-Terrorism Case in Chittagong: In the port city of Chittagong, activists from the banned student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), managed to bring out a flash procession in the New Market area. Following the circulation of the video on social media, police launched a raid, arresting four individuals and filing a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
* Masked Showdown in Kushtia: In Kumarkhali, Kushtia, activists from the Jubo League staged a motorcycle showdown while wearing helmets and masks. The video, featuring regional leaders chanting slogans, went viral on Facebook later that night.
Virtual Programs by the Awami League
Barred from hitting the streets publicly, the Awami League announced a series of symbolic and virtual programs via its official Facebook page and press releases sent through email. The scheduled programs include placing wreaths at the Bangabandhu Bhawan premises, Banani Graveyard, and the mausoleum of Bangabandhu in Tungipara, along with holding prayer meets and distributing leaflets. The party also declared that virtual discussion panels under the banner of its affiliate organizations will be hosted online from June 23 to June 30.
Pressenza’s Perspective: A Call for Nonviolence Amid Political Transition
Pressenza observes that maintaining social stability and ensuring citizen safety remains the single greatest challenge for any nation undergoing an intense phase of political transition. In an environment shaped by political bans and deep institutional polarization, any form of conflict or sabotage directly threatens the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens. This international humanist press agency urges all political factions to completely distance themselves from provocations or violent disruptions and instead embrace the path of active nonviolence to foster a sustainable, democratic, and peaceful society.
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The Writer:
Halim Mohammad: Senior Journalist and Contributor Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
