The law enforcers have tightened the security in areas adjacent to the Gulshan party office of the BNP on Sunday afternoon, a day ahead of the BNP rally.
Earlier today, police checkposts were set up at all entrances to the Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas, stopping nearly every vehicle coming in.
These are the neighbourhoods surrounding the BNP head office, where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been confined by police since 12am last night.
Officer-in-charge of Gulshan police station Rafiqul Islam told Dhaka Tribune that security had been “strengthened around the BNP chairperson’s office to avoid any untoward situation.”
A massive number of police have descended onto the streets in the three areas, Dhaka Tribune's Rumana Habib reported from the spot.
About 200 police are said to be stationed at Gulshan DIT2 Circle, bringing Gulshan Avenue and Kemal Ataturk Avenue to near standstill due to the traffic backup, as cops check each car.
The barricade began today after the 12pm announcement by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) banning all gatherings, political meetings and processions in the capital, effective from 5pm until further notice.
The ruling Awami League and the BNP were both scheduled to hold rallies in the capital on Monday, marking last year’s January 5 elections.
The BNP was looking to observe “democracy killing day” while the Awami League planned to celebrate “victory day of democracy.”
Anticipating anarchy and confrontation, Masudur Rahman, DC (media) of DMP, told Dhaka Tribune that security measures had been beefed up in important points of the city to maintain law and order, so that no one could carry out any “subversive acts.”
Police pick-up vans have been parked diagonally, blocking the main entrance to the BNP Gulshan office so as to obstruct anyone from leaving the building.
