Protest gatherings banned on roads around Dhaka Cantonment

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has imposed a ban on all forms of gatherings along several roads surrounding Dhaka Cantonment, citing the need to maintain public order.

The decision, announced in a statement on Saturday, comes amid an escalating wave of protests and sit-ins across the capital.

The ban takes effect from Sunday, May 18, and will remain in place until further notice.

Under the directive, all types of meetings, rallies, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited in the designated areas.

The ban will be effective in the areas adjacent to Kochukhet Road, Bijoy Sarani, the Chief Advisor's Office (CAO), Birsreshtho Shaheed Jahangir Gate, BAF Shaheen College, Mohakhali Flyover, Sainik Club intersection, Bhashantek, Matikata, and ECB Chattar.

Shortly after the ISPR’s announcement, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued a public notice reinforcing the ban.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali confirmed that the restrictions fall under the provisions of the DMP Ordinance and will remain effective until further instructions.

This is the latest in a series of similar measures by law enforcement. On May 15, the DMP restricted all gatherings near the chief justice’s residence and surrounding court premises, including Judges Complex, the Supreme Court’s main gate, Mazar Gate, Jame Masjid Gate, and the entrances of International Crimes Tribunals 1 and 2.

Previously, on May 10, the DMP had banned protests near the Bangladesh Secretariat, the chief advisor’s residence at Jamuna, Hotel InterContinental, Kakrail Mosque, Officers’ Club, and Mintu Road, citing heightened security concerns for key government figures.