On the 28th of October, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami embarked on an unauthorized rally at Motijheel Shapla Square, the core area of the Commercial Banks Head Offices. What made the party leaders and activists proceed with the rally without obtaining the requisite permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
In the hours leading up to the planned rally, fervent supporters of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami group assembled in the vicinity of Arambagh, a close point to the Shapla Chattar. Here, they began the intricate task of setting up a stage right in front of the Arambagh High School and College, clearly indicating their unwavering determination to proceed with the gathering. Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami are trying to break the police barricade in Arambagh of the capital.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., a public address system was employed to address the gathered crowd, and their words held a fervent tone as they sought to incite and motivate their fellow supporters.
The speaker took a staunchly dissenting stance, vehemently criticizing both the police and the government. In response to these fervent developments, the authorities erected a robust police barricade to obstruct the road directly in front of the gathering. Furthermore, a substantial contingent of police officers assumed positions at the forefront, steadfast in their resolve to maintain control over the situation and ensure public safety.
The location of Shapla Square in Motijheel witnessed a remarkable ramping up of security measures in anticipation of the Jamaat-e-Islami gathering. Barricades were meticulously positioned at strategic points along the roads in front of significant establishments such as Social Islami Bank, Bangladesh Bank, Notre Dame College, and Ittefaq Intersection adjacent to Shapla Chatwar. This comprehensive security arrangement was implemented in response to the party’s unwavering commitment to hold a rally at noon, despite the absence of official police authorization.
A considerable number of police officers were deployed to stand face to face, forming a formidable line with the objective of controlling the situation and preventing any untoward incidents. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the police had taken proactive measures to prohibit the assembly of the Jamaat-e-Islami by placing barricades near the Shapla Intersection from the early hours of the day.
Notably, at least 15 prominent leaders and ardent activists of Jamaat-e-Islami made a significant announcement. They conveyed their intention to formally announce the commencement of their rally after 2 o’clock in the afternoon. This announcement sheds light on their strategy and underscores the reason for their congregating in Arambagh. It is clear that they were resolute in their determination to proceed with the rally, even in the absence of official police permission, and their actions reflect a larger political tension and conflict that continues to unfold in the region.
