Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, one of the busiest streets in the capital remains empty in the afternoon due to the increased panic over the political situation of the country on Friday.
Amid a fear that violence may erupt due to the face-off between the opposition and ruling party activists, very few people and vehicles came out on the streets of Dhaka today.
The ruling Awami League’s statement that its leaders and workers would “remain vigilant” on the streets and would crush any attempt of the opposition to create anarchy sent a chill down the spine of the people.
On the other hand, the opposition had announced that it would hold its pre-planned rally today at any cost, prompting the AL to announce resistance.
The city streets which usually bustle with people even during the weekend wore a deserted look today as all preferred to stay indoor sitting before television sets to get updates on the current political developments.
Only those who had pressing needs to leave their houses could be seen out on the streets.
“I would not come out amid such panicky situation if I could avoid it,” said a man in his 40s who was walking down the streets near Matsya Bhaban.
No vehicles were allowed pass by as the opposition activists occupied it.
Amid a drizzling that continued since the morning, the situation seems worse than any hartal days.
Very few privately-owned cars or commuter vehicles were seen plying on the city streets.
The BNP has been demonstrating for several months demanding reinstatement of the caretaker government system for holding the next parliamentary elections.
The main opposition has long been saying that October 25 would be the last day of the current government and urging their supporters to take to the streets on the very day.
Usually Friday kitchen markets are busiest as people move out of home to get daily necessities. But today is quite different.
An eerie calm descended on the city as residents, anxious about what might happen, stayed indoors.
Besides, troops of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rab and police are seen guarding and patrolling the city streets.
In the wake of the situation, rallies have been banned in many places and security beefed up in anticipation of violence.
Source: The Daily Star
