Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on any kind of rally and procession in the capital for Sunday.
The restriction will remain in force for 18 hours since 6:00am, Additional Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman told The Daily Star.
Asked about the ban, Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker told The Daily Star that law enforcers will take actions against anyone who tries to destabilise the law and order.
The law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain alert so that none could create any anarchy, he added.
The police chief urged all the law-abiding people to refrain from any such activities which can hamper the security of lives and properties of the people.
Replying to another question if there is any apprehension of subversive activities, the IGP replied in the negative saying, "We're prepared for any development."
He said necessary additional forces will be deployed and vigilant activities will be intensified in the capital so that none could take any scope to break the law.
DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed has clamped the ban as ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP have called separate programmes in the capital on Sunday, police sources said.
The order issued by the DMP on Saturday also imposed ban on carrying sticks and bamboos on the city streets.
The announcement came on Saturday when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to lead mass processions in the city on Sunday aiming to drum up public support in favour of her demand for restoration of the caretaker government system.
Khaleda on January 9 declared this programme at a mammoth rally in Chittagong.
AL has also set Sunday for a rally in front of its party office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
The additional deputy commissioner said the DMP has decided to impose the restriction to avert clash between the two arch-rival parties.
As tension is prevailing centring the two programmes, BNP leaders have threatened the government to face dire consequences if it tries to obstruct their Sunday’s programme.
