Awami League Torch Rally in Chittagong Triggers Social Media Stir

A video depicting a night-time torch procession organised by local Awami League leaders and activists in the Banshkhali upazila of Chittagong has gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread local interest and prompting a response from law enforcement.

Party insiders claimed that the demonstration took place on Thursday night, 13 August, in the Chunati Bazar area located within the Baharchhara Union of Banshkhali. The event marks a notable public gathering for the political party in the region, coming amidst a heightened political atmosphere across Bangladesh.

The circulated video clip, lasting three minutes and fifty-three seconds, shows a group of approximately 50 to 60 individuals marching through the market streets carrying lit torches. Participants chanted various political slogans during the procession before assembling for brief speeches delivered by local organizers at the conclusion of the march.

Escalating Local Demonstrations in Banshkhali

Local sources confirm that the rally unfolded in the heart of Chunati Bazar under Baharchhara Union. The gathering follows another political demonstration reported in the same upazila just twenty-four hours earlier. On Wednesday night, activists affiliated with the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, staged a separate procession near the Tailardweep Bridge area in Banshkhali.

The consecutive rallies in Baharchhara and Tailardweep indicate a resurgence of public activity by party loyalists in the sub-district, drawing significant attention from local political observers and residents alike.

Police Response and Ongoing Inquiries

When approached for an official statement regarding the public procession, local police authorities indicated that they had not received advance notice or direct reports about the midnight rally.

Sudhanshu Shekhar Haldar, Police Inspector (Investigation) at Banshkhali Police Station, stated that he was unaware of the torch rally conducted at Chunati Bazar. He assured that law enforcement officers would conduct an inquiry into the matter to verify the authenticity of the video, determine the exact timing of the gathering, and identify the participants involved.

With the video continuing to circulate widely online, local authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure public order across Banshkhali upazila.