Banned Awami League Organises Flash Protest March in Lakshmipur

A sudden protest march was organised by activists belonging to the banned political organisation, the Bangladesh Awami League, in the Ramgoti upazila of Lakshmipur district. The unannounced demonstration took place on a local road on Thursday, catching residents by surprise. Footage documenting the event emerged shortly afterwards and has been circulating rapidly across various social media platforms, sparking intense discussion amongst the local populace.

Video evidence from the scene indicates that the procession moved forward behind a large primary banner. The inscription on the banner read: “Protest march against the false cases filed against popular leader Sheikh Hasina in the Gopalganj public court and the illegal ICT Tribunal, and against the injustice and oppression faced by leaders and activists at all levels in Ramgoti upazila.” The young participants in the march were observed chanting traditional political slogans, including “Joy Bangla”, “Sheikh Hasina will return, Bangladesh will smile”, and “Sheikh Hasina has no fear, we have not abandoned the streets”. They also chanted “Your address, my address—Padma, Meghna, Jamuna” alongside other emotive political phrases.

According to eyewitnesses and local accounts, the procession was extremely brief and highly mobilised. The activists gathered abruptly on an internal road, avoiding major thoroughfares where security forces are routinely stationed. They marched a short distance whilst chanting their slogans and holding the banner before dispersing rapidly into nearby lanes to evade law enforcement. This tactical approach appears to have been deliberately chosen by the organisers to prevent any direct confrontation or mass arrests by the police.

Following the circulation of the video footage online, tension escalated slightly within the upazila, prompting the authorities to heighten security measures. Police personnel have stepped up patrolling at key intersections and sensitive public locations across the area to prevent any further unannounced gatherings.

Liton Dewan, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ramgoti Police Station, confirmed the details of the event and stated that the police have taken the matter very seriously. He emphasised that law enforcement agencies are maintaining a strict stance against any activities carried out by a prohibited organisation. The OC stated that several police teams have been deployed to the field to monitor the situation closely and deter any unpleasant incidents. Local law enforcement authorities remain on high alert to suppress any attempts to disrupt public order. Officials are currently reviewing the available digital footage to identify the individuals who participated in the march, and legal proceedings will be initiated accordingly.