‘Some 123 organisations stage 1,604 road blockades’

Staff Reporter :

Following the toppling of Sheikh Hasina administration last year, the Interim Government since last year has been facing and tackling a plethora of demonstrations held by different parties and organisations with various demands.

Ministry of Home Affairs has found that around 123 organisations under different banners blocked roads 1,604 times since the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus assumed office last year.

Home Adviser Lt General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury came up with the information before the journalists after holding a meeting with the Core Committee on Law and Order held at the conference room of home ministry in the Secretariat on Sunday.

“Since the interim government took office, 123 organisations had blocked roads 1,604 times. Such activities created traffic congestion and public misery,” he said.

“From our ministry we have requested to hold such meetings at the Suhrawardy Uddyan or designated fields available in the capital so that people don’t suffer,” he stressed.

Highlighting public sufferings, he said, “Everyone has the democratic rights for peaceful meetings. But road blockade is not at all acceptable as it causes public sufferings.”

At the briefing, the home adviser also talked about the law and order situation during the upcoming parliamentary election.

“Free, fair, impartial and safe election is depending on the political parties which will participate in the poll. Our law enforcers would ensure security and law and order during the election.

We have full preparation for it,” he said. “The free and spontaneous participation of the people is important. The political parties have to ensure it,” he added.

Addressing the political parties, he said, “There might have difference among the political parties. But political unity which was present after the fall of fascist government must be preserved.”

Senior Secretary of Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam BPM, and other senior officials were present at the briefing.