18,000 police, army deployed in six districts to mark AL’s founding anniversary: ​​State machinery on high alert amid fears of clashes

POBNEWS24, Dhaka, June 22, 2026 : Bangladesh has been gripped by renewed political tension over the announcement of the 77th founding anniversary (June 23) of the banned Awami League, which has been in power for three consecutive terms for nearly 17 years. Although the party’s leaders and activists have called for the anniversary to be celebrated in various places, the government and law enforcement agencies have taken unprecedented security measures to deal with possible clashes, sabotage and unpleasant situations.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced the deployment of more than 18,000 police personnel in the capital. At the same time, a notification has been issued to deploy the army in six important districts including Dhaka, Chittagong and Gazipur metropolises from June 22 to June 30 at the request of the Home Ministry.
The internal warning from the police headquarters has mentioned that the leaders and activists of the banned Awami League may try to hoist flags, hold processions with banners and organize organizational programs at various places on the occasion of its foundation anniversary. As a result, there is a risk of clashes with leaders and activists of other political parties, especially the National Citizen Party (NCP), the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal activists.
Multiple sources in the law enforcement agencies say that information has been received about the sudden processions and secret meetings of the Awami League in different parts of the country in the last few weeks. Intelligence agencies fear that the party’s supporters may try to publicly show their strength around the foundation anniversary.
According to the DMP’s plan, checkposts and search operations will be conducted at more than 200 important places in the capital. Surveillance has been increased at all entrances to Dhaka city. Along with the regular police, DB, CTTC, Special Branch and other intelligence units will work in the field. 15 quick response teams have been kept ready to deal with emergency situations.
According to security analysts, the administration has taken an extra cautious stance due to the recent increase in inflammatory campaigns on social media centered on political programs.
At the request of the Home Ministry, the army has been deployed to “aid to civil power” or assist the civilian administration. According to the government decision, army personnel will be deployed in Dhaka, Chittagong and Gazipur metropolitan areas and Narayanganj, Gopalganj and Faridpur districts.
Some former military officers told this correspondent that the deployment of the army does not mean that the situation has gone out of control; rather, it is a preventive measure. However, the deployment of the army centered on political programs also indicates the depth of the current political instability in the country.
It is worth noting that all political activities of the Baladesh Awami League were banned by the interim Yunus government in 2025. The registration of the Bangladesh Awami League was not canceled outright, but the Election Commission (EC) suspended the party’s registration after the interim government banned all political activities of the party. In May 2025, the government banned the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliates until the ongoing trial against the party at the International Criminal Tribunal was completed, and the Election Commission decided to suspend the party’s registration shortly after. As a result of this suspension, the party is unable to officially participate in any elections.
According to the government notification, the party’s online and offline activities, meetings, rallies, and campaigns are all banned.
In this situation, the question of how legitimate the announcement of the anniversary celebration is has arisen. According to legal experts, public political programs can create legal complications while the ban is in place. However, the difference between historical or cultural commemorations and organized political programs at the individual level can also be considered.
According to political analysts, the main fight around the anniversary of the Awami League is now one of organizational existence. Even under the ban, the party wants to send a message to its supporters that the organization is still active. On the other hand, the government and the administration want to show that the ban is effective and that the law and order situation will not be allowed to deteriorate.
According to analysts, June 23 is not just a founding anniversary, but an important day to test the influence and prestige of the state versus banned political forces in the current political reality of Bangladesh.
The warning from the Police Headquarters also mentions the risk of possible clashes, provocative activities and attacks on law enforcement agencies. Various units in the country have been instructed to be on high alert.
According to security analysts, spreading rumors, provocative posts and false information on social media can also pose a major risk. There are examples of violence in Bangladesh in the past due to online propaganda and misleading information.
June 23, 2026, is going to be marked as an important day in the political history of Bangladesh, surrounding the founding anniversary of the banned Awami League.