AL, students’ counter-protests at Zero Point, police on high alert

The Awami League has announced a protest rally at Zero Point in Gulistan, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon to commemorate Shaheed Noor Hossain and demand the removal of 'anti-democratic forces' and the 'restoration of democratic governance.' Meanwhile, on the same day and at the same location, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has called for a counter-gathering, demanding the trial of the ousted Awami League government.

The interim government has also warned that it will not permit the Awami League to hold its programme.

In light of this, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has made special preparations to maintain law and order in the capital.

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Media and Public Relations Division of DMP, said, "The DMP is determined to maintain order in the city. No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in the name of a rally."

He added, "If anyone attempts to create chaos, it will be firmly dealt with. We have a plan in place, and adequate police have been deployed to ensure law and order in Dhaka."

Meanwhile, on Saturday night, police arrested 10 individuals from various parts of the capital and seized a large amount of evidence from them.

Earlier, on Friday, November 8, the Awami League announced on its verified Facebook page that it would hold a protest rally on Sunday, November 10, at Shaheed Noor Hossain Square at Zero Point, in memory of Shaheed Noor Hossain and to demand the removal of anti-democratic forces and the restoration of democratic governance.

In response, at around 8 pm on Saturday, November 9, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced its own programme on its Facebook page, stating, "We will hold a public rally at Zero Point at 12 noon on Sunday, demanding the trial of the fallen autocratic Awami League."

Various sections of the government have also warned that the Awami League will not be allowed to hold its protest. Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, stated on his verified Facebook page at 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, "The Awami League is currently a fascist party. There is no room for this fascist party to hold any protest programs in Bangladesh."

Additionally, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, an adviser to the interim government, posted on Facebook, saying that law enforcement agencies will take strict action if anyone from genocidal or banned organizations attempts to hold programs.