The Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) has banned carrying all kinds of firearms, ammunition, explosive material, sharp weapons, and sticks and batons in the city area as a part of their heightened security measure ahead of the verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, in which BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is a prime accused.
CMP Commissioner Iqbal Bahar issued the executive order on Wednesday under Sections 29 and 30 of Chittagong Metropolitan Ordinance, 1978 which will remain in effect from 4am until 6pm on Thursday.
Dhaka Special Judge's Court 5 is set to deliver the verdict on Thursday in the much-talked-about graft case.
Only a day earlier, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) put a bar on carrying baton and sticks, knives and sharp weapons, and explosive and flammable substances in Dhaka metropolitan area until further notice.
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In addition, holding rallies and meetings on Dhaka streets has also been banned, but the DMP said on Wednesday it would allow peaceful demonstrations.
Chittagong police is on high alert to thwart possible subversive activities if the BNP chief gets convicted in the graft case on Thursday.
Additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed at key locations around Chittagong city, including the entry points.
Considering the security of several Key Point Installations (KPIs) located between the Cement Crossing and Boat Club, the CMP authorities have also decided to suspend traffic movement between the city's Cement Crossing area and Boat Club area on the Airport Road from 4pm on Wednesday to 10pm on Thursday.
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However, office goers in the areas and defence personnel are out of the purview of this decision.
Security has been tightened at Lohagara, Banshkhali, Sitakunda and Satkania upazilas in the district as a precaution, seeing as these four upazilas saw large-scale violence, including arson attack and vandalism, during the countrywide blockade after the 10th parliamentary election, which the BNP boycotted.
Meanwhile, Chittagong city chapter of Bangladesh Chhatra League has issued a warning that they would launch counter-attacks on the businesses and residences of BNP men if any subversive act take place on the day of the verdict.
Leaders of the student wing of Awami League said they would be present at strategic places around the port area to thwart untoward incidents.