Pabna's Atgharia upazila administration has imposed Section 144 after local Awami League and BNP scheduled counter programs in the same area.
Atgharia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Maksuda Akter issued the order on Monday.
It said: “BNP announced a protest program against the price hike of daily commodities, while Awami League planned a demonstration against BNP-Jamaat's anarchy.”
It added that Section 144 would be imposed from 6am to 12pm on Tuesday in Naduria Mor and adjacent areas in order to prevent any untoward incidents.
UNO Maksuda Akter said Section 144 was issued for the safety of the public.
“Both parties have been warned, hence if they carry out any program we will take legal actions,” she added.
Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Anwar Hossain of Atgharia police station said they have been informed of the matter.
“We have beefed up security in the area. Additional police have been deployed since morning. Action will be taken if anyone attempts to obstruct the law and order,” the OC added.
Habibur Rahman Habib, convenor of Pabna district unit BNP, said that it is very sad that Section 144 was issued even after taking permission from the administration.
“What country are we living in? The protests are being held all over Bangladesh without a problem,” he added.
He later said BNP would announce the program again.
Besides, Mazpara Union unit Awami League President Imtiaz Ali Khan said: “I was informed about this (Section 144) from the police station. Since the upazila administration has banned the program from taking place, we have withdrawn the plan.”