The upazila administration has imposed Section 144 in Madhyanagar Bazaar for an indefinite period, banning all gatherings, rallies, and processions.
The decision was made following clashes between two groups over the arrest of a police suspect, leading to vandalism of a political office.
On Friday, at 6pm, Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Ujjal Roy issued a notice enforcing Section 144 in the area.
According to police and local sources, clashes broke out on Friday evening between supporters of Abdul Kaiyum Majnu, former general secretary of Madhyanagar Upazila BNP, and Shahid Mia, a Jubo Dal leader, over the arrest of a police suspect.
During the altercation, BNP and Jubo Dal’s temporary offices were vandalized. The situation created high tension in Madhyanagar Bazaar, raising fears of a violent conflict.
To ensure public safety, all gatherings and rallies in the bazaar and surrounding areas were banned until further notice.
Madhyanagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sajib Rahman said: "The clashes erupted between the supporters of Jubo Dal leader Shahid Mia and former BNP general secretary Abdul Kaiyum Majnu over the arrest of a police suspect. Later, both groups vandalized BNP and Jubo Dal offices, causing panic among traders and local residents. To maintain law and order, the upazila administration has imposed Section 144."
He added that police patrols have been intensified in the bazaar to prevent further unrest. Until further instructions, police will remain deployed in the affected areas. The situation is currently under control.