Habiganj district administration has imposed Section 144 in the district town following announcements by National Citizen Party (NCP) and BNP’s associated organisations to hold protest rallies at the same venue on Wednesday.
The restriction was imposed at around 10:00 am on Wednesday after NCP and the BNP's associate bodies Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal announced protest programmes on Town Hall premises at 3:00 pm.
Officer-in-Charge of Habiganj Sadar Police Station Zahedul Haque said the district administration issued the order to maintain law and order.
The NCP called the rally and a protest procession to condemn Tuesday's attack on its leaders and activists.
District NCP Convener Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal said several central leaders including Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah and Dr Atik Mojahid were travelling to Habiganj to attend the scheduled programme.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed across the district following Tuesday evening's violence.
NCP claimed that its leaders Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwary came under attack after addressing a July mass uprising programme near the Court Mosque while the leaders were leaving the venue.
Police later escorted the leaders to the Circuit House for security.
Sarjis Alam blamed activists of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal for the attack. He also claimed that one activist sustained serious eye injuries after being struck with an iron rod and another was critically injured.
He also alleged that vehicles carrying him and Nasiruddin Patwary were vandalised.
Witnesses said that during the rally, Nasiruddin Patwary criticised local BNP leaders and activists, alleging their involvement in drug trafficking and criminal activities.
Responding to the allegations, Habiganj district Chhatra Dal General Secretary Zillur Rahman said there had only been a minor scuffle after NCP leaders made what he described as "offensive remarks" against the BNP and its affiliated organisations.
To maintain law and order, police deployed additional personnel around the Circuit House. OC Zahedul Haque said.
As of Tuesday night, NCP leaders were staying at the Circuit House under police protection.
No cases or arrests were immediately reported in connection with the incident.