Section 144 imposed in Barishal city to prevent gathering in funeral

The Barishal Metropolitan Police (BMP) today imposed Section 144 in the city to avoid gathering in the funeral of a freedom fighter, who is also the elder brother of the city unit president of Awami League.

BMP Commissioner Md Shahbuddin Khan issued the order at 3 pm.

Freedom fighter Md Harun Ar Rashid died in the capital's Evercare Hospital this morning. Harun's younger brother Shawkat Hossain Hiron is also the former mayor of Barishal city.

The funeral prayer was scheduled to be held on the Nuria School ground in the city this evening.

Fearing a mass gathering in his Namaz-e-Janaza, the city police imposed the Section 144 there which will remain effective until further notice.

Shahbuddin Khan said there were some instances of huge mass gatherings in funeral prayers defying the government restrictions in recent times.  The Section 144 has been imposed in the city to avoid the repetition of such a situation.

He also said city police stations and metropolitan police officials have been directed to take legal actions immediately if more than five people gather anywhere in the city.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner SM Azior Rahman said the district has been put under lockdown to stem the coronavirus transmission since April 12. The Section 144 has been imposed to avoid mass gatherings, and four magistrates have also been deployed to ensure social distancing.

Legal actions will be taken if the Section 144 is violated anywhere in the city, said Azior Rahman.