A heightened state of security has enveloped the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area ahead of a protest march called by various Islamist groups in opposition to Israel’s military aggression in Gaza and alleged oppression of Muslims in India.
Law enforcement agencies, including the police, the military, and paramilitary forces, have been deployed in significant numbers to avert potential disorder.
Eyewitnesses report that security forces have mobilised water cannons, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), and prison vans at Paltan intersection.
Meanwhile, police and military personnel have taken strategic positions at the mosque's entrances, conducting thorough checks on worshippers, including bag searches.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units have also been stationed at Nightingale intersection to reinforce security.
In addition to uniformed officers, a considerable number of plainclothes detectives and members of the Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) have been deployed, many of whom were seen wearing tactical vests.
According to prior announcements, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and Khilafat Majlis are set to lead the demonstration following Friday prayers, starting from the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
Reports also indicate the presence of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir members in the vicinity, raising concerns of potential confrontations.
Given the increased mobilisation and the politically charged nature of the demonstration, security officials remain on high alert to ensure public order and prevent any escalation of violence.
This protest comes amid growing anti-Israeli sentiment in Bangladesh following airstrikes in Gaza, which have reportedly claimed hundreds of lives.
Additionally, concerns over Muslim persecution in India have fuelled further outrage among Islamist groups, prompting calls for demonstrations.
The government, wary of past incidents where similar rallies led to clashes, has reinforced security to maintain law and order.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the scale of the protest but remain poised to act should the situation deteriorate.
With the likelihood of more demonstrations in the coming days, the situation remains tense, and the authorities are closely monitoring developments.
