The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has imposed a one-month ban on rallies, meetings and public gatherings in areas adjacent to the Chattogram Port.
The restriction was announced through a public notice issued by CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz. Similar prohibitory orders had been imposed twice earlier.
According to the notice, the ban will be in force from 12:01 am on February 1 until March 2 in several key locations, including Barek Building intersection, Nimtala intersection, Jetty Gate No. 3, Customs intersection, Saltgola crossing and surrounding areas. During this period, the carrying and use of weapons, swords, spears, firearms, knives, sticks, explosive materials, bricks and stones are prohibited. All forms of rallies, meetings, human chains and roadside gatherings have also been banned.
However, election-related activities by political parties and independent candidates contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election in 2026—including campaign activities, rallies and public meetings—will remain outside the scope of the ban.
The CMP commissioner said Chattogram Port is the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy and a Category “1K” Key Point Installation (KPI). The majority of the country’s import and export operations are conducted through the port. Every day, around 5,000 to 6,000 trucks, covered vans, long vehicles and prime movers operate in and out of the port, transporting essential consumer goods, industrial raw materials and other import-export cargo.
He said maintaining smooth traffic flow around the port is critically important due to the high volume of vehicles. However, rallies and public gatherings in the port area often cause traffic congestion, disrupting import and export activities. Such disruptions can cause serious harm to the national economy and pose a threat to national security.
The restrictions have been imposed under Sections 29 and 30 of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1978, to ensure uninterrupted port operations and to maintain public order, peace and security. Authorities warned that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone who violates the order.
