United News of Bangladesh

Activists of the Awami League, whose party-related activities are banned, staged a sudden procession in the heart of Barishal city on Friday afternoon, demanding the lifting of the ban on the party’s activities and justice for the killing of police personnel. It triggered a brief period of tension in the area before returning to normal after police intervention. The procession took place around 2:30pm on Friday following Jumma prayers, starting from the Bibirpukur area and moving through the Kakoli Mor traffic police box in Sadar Road, the city’s central hub. Participants chanted various slogans during the march, eyewitnesses said. Tight security measures in place to ensure safe Eid travel: Barishal range DIG The banner carried by the processionists demanded the withdrawal of restrictions on Awami League political activities and justice for police killings, and also featured photographs of the party’s top leaders. Around 30 people took part in the procession, most of whom wore surgical masks while others covered their faces with black cloth or used sunglasses, making identification difficult. After briefly occupying the road and chanting slogans, the group dispersed into nearby alleys within minutes. Local sources, said the programme was organised under the initiative of former city corporation councillor Rajib Khan, although attempts to contact him and other organisers were unsuccessful. The incident created brief concern among residents, though no major disruption was reported. Law enforcement presence was initially limited during the event. Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Al Mamun-ul Islam said some unidentified activists of the banned student wing staged a sudden procession near the Kakoli Mor traffic box after Jumma prayers. “They left the scene quickly before police arrived. We are investigating the matter and working to identify those involved,” he said.