The Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Saturday once again banned public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations in areas surrounding the Supreme Court and the chief justice鈥檚 official residence in the capital.
A public notice, signed by the DMP commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, said that the ban would be effective from today and would remain valid until further notice.
Areas under the restriction include the surrounding areas of the chief justice鈥檚 official residence, the Judges鈥� Complex, main entrance to the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Mazar Gate, Jame Mosque Gate, access points to the International Crimes Tribunal 1 and 2, and the area in front of the Judicial Administration Training Institute.
According to the notification, all kinds of meetings, assemblies, processions, human chains, sit-ins and other public gatherings are prohibited in front of or near these locations.
Earlier, the metropolitan police imposed the same ban at different times, beginning from May 15, in the face of frequent demonstrations in the areas.
Protesters, however, continued to stage demonstrations in the areas violating the ban.
Saturday鈥檚 notice urged the people to avoid blocking roads in the name of protests or making demands, saying that such activities obstruct vehicular movement.
DMP imposed the ban under section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1976, citing the need for maintaining public order, the notice said.
Earlier on July 13, June 12 and May 15, the metropolitan police repeatedly imposed the ban in the face of frequent rallies near different key point installations by different groups to press various demands.
