Gatherings Banned Around Chief Justice Residence

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has officially prohibited all forms of public gatherings, including meetings, demonstrations, rallies, processions, and sit-ins, in and around the residence of the Chief Justice and adjacent areas. This directive, issued through an official public notice, comes as a measure to ensure law and order in the vicinity of key judicial buildings.

The announcement was made today, Sunday, 8 February, by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, NDC, who authorised the notice under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III/76). According to the notice, the restrictions will take effect from Monday, 9 February 2026, and will remain in force until further instructions are issued.

The notice explicitly identifies the areas under restriction and lists the types of activities that are prohibited:

The DMP’s notice emphasises that these restrictions are necessary to prevent obstruction of traffic and disruption of public order. It urges all citizens and organisations to comply strictly, particularly when engaging in activities such as protests or demands for rights, to avoid impeding movement on the roads.

Security analysts have noted that such restrictions are routine around high-profile judicial figures and complexes. By limiting public assemblies, authorities aim to ensure the safety of the Chief Justice, judges, staff, and visitors, while preventing potential conflicts or overcrowding in the busy Supreme Court area.

The DMP has also deployed additional personnel to monitor and enforce the restrictions effectively, and local residents have been advised to avoid the designated areas for non-essential travel. Public awareness campaigns and traffic advisory notices are expected to accompany these measures to ensure smooth compliance and prevent unnecessary congestion.

Officials stress that the prohibition is not intended to curb free speech but is a temporary measure aimed solely at maintaining law and order in sensitive zones. Authorities have reassured citizens that normal activities can resume once the DMP deems it safe to lift the restrictions.