Staff Correspondent
Following the announcement of a nationwide shutdown program by the anti-quota protestors, tension has once again risen across Bangladesh.
This program, scheduled for Thursday, may also lead to conflicts and clashes, similar to previous ones.
Although the protestors have announced the program, they have not disclosed the specific locations for gathering.
Following the announcement, senior police officials held several meetings. According to police officials, no leniency will be shown to anyone causing public suffering by taking to the streets.
Arrest operations will also continue. Legal action will be taken against those accused in various recent cases.
The Police Headquarters has called for maintaining a peaceful environment with respect for the law.
In a statement, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Inamul Haque Sagar said that creating a chaotic situation in the name of any demand, deteriorating law and order, endangering public safety, and causing damage to property is not acceptable.
Multiple police sources have indicated that if protestors block roads and try to disrupt law and order in the name of Thursday’s program, they will be dealt with strictly.
Sources reveal that instructions have already been given to deploy additional police in various areas of the capital, Dhaka, especially around government and private university areas and other key points.
Armored personnel carriers (APCs) and water cannons will be deployed in important areas, including Dhaka University.
Additionally, extra members of intelligence agencies will be deployed for surveillance in Dhaka.
Relevant sources indicate that due to the closure of universities, protestors will not be allowed to gather at any specific location.
With universities closed, no students will be allowed to enter these institutions.
Police will be stationed in front of all schools and colleges in the capital to prevent student entry.
Third party infiltrated
Intelligence sources claim that a third party has infiltrated the student quota movement, attempting to incite violence in various ways.
They are trying to provoke aggressive behaviour by showing solidarity with the anti-quota protestors.
The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) chief Harunor Rashid said this to journalists in the Dhaka University area in the afternoon.
He said that a group is trying to divert the protestors by providing money and weapons.
He mentioned that a list is being prepared, and legal action will be taken.
On Wednesday evening, instructions were given to clear all the halls of Dhaka University by 7pm, and most students have left the campus.
However, a group is reportedly staying on the campus.
Sources indicate that police patrols have been set up around Dhaka University to prevent anyone from entering.
Intelligence officers and protestor sources reveal that students plan to gather in the Dhaka University area for Thursday’s program.
If faced with obstacles, they may attempt to create resistance in various areas.
On Thursday night, unable to gather in the Dhaka University area due to police obstruction, a group started a blockade protest in the Jatrabari-Shonir Akhra area.
When the police tried to disperse them, clashes erupted.
Reports indicate that one killed while several people, including a child and policemen, were injured.
Wishing to remain anonymous, an intelligence officer said that very few of the people involved in the clashes in the Jatrabari-Shonir Akhra area were actual protestors.
Local members of opposition political parties engaged in clashes with the police.
Intelligence agencies fear that members of opposition political parties may join Thursday’s complete shutdown program and incite violence, taking advantage of the student movement.
Additionally, another source mentioned that from Thursday morning, alongside law enforcement, members of ruling party affiliates will guard key points.
Local leaders and activists of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Swechchhasebak League have been instructed by the central command to be on alert.
