Members of law enforcement agencies have taken cautious measures at the Secretariat following a grand rally by MPO-listed teachers demanding nationalisation. 

The Secretariat’s Gate No. 5, adjacent to the National Press Club, has been cordoned off tightly including road barricaded, and water cannon has been brought in.

The security measures were observed around 11:30am on Wednesday (August 13) in the Secretariat and National Press Club areas.

Earlier, at around 10:30am, MPO-listed teachers from private educational institutions began their grand rally in front of the National Press Club. Following the rally, they announced a march towards the Secretariat. Around one thousand teachers from different areas have joined the programme.

The protesting teachers said they will not leave the streets until their demands are met, vowing to leave only after securing their demands.

Earlier, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned all kinds of public gatherings in front of the Secretariat, to maintain public order. 

According to DMP order, gatherings are also banned near the official residence of the Chief Justice, the Judges’ Complex, the main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, the Mazar Gate, the Jame Mosque Gate, the entry gates of International Crimes Tribunal-1 and 2, and the Judicial Administration Training Institute building until further notice.

The DMP has also reiterated its request to all concerned not to obstruct vehicular movement by blocking roads in the name of protests or demands.

MSK/