Banned Awami League Rally Held in Madaripur

Despite being officially banned, a rally marking the 77th founding anniversary of the Awami League was held in several areas of Madaripur on Friday morning.

Local sources said several hundred party activists gathered in the Mostafapur Highway area of Sadar upazila and brought out a brief procession, chanting slogans and staging a short demonstration.

Later, videos and photos of the event were circulated on social media by individuals identifying themselves as Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.

Former leader of the now-banned Madaripur district Chhatra League, Jahid Hasan Anik, said the rally was held under instructions from A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, demanding cancellation of what he called a 'kangaroo court verdict' against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, lifting of the ban on the party, withdrawal of cases, and unconditional release of political detainees.

He also claimed the demonstration was organized by the district Awami League as a protest program.

Madaripur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad said operations against members of banned organizations are ongoing.

When asked how the rally took place, he said the group carried out a five-minute procession around 1:30 pm without the knowledge of law enforcement, adding that raids and operations are continuing.

Madaripur district Jubo Dal General Secretary Advocate Masud Parvez said such activities create instability and confusion among the public, urging authorities to bring those involved under the law as soon as possible.