Tensions surrounding Panchagarh Press Club: Section 144 imposed, army and police deployed

The ongoing tension between the two sides of local journalists over the Panchagarh Press Club has reached an extreme level. When one side locked the club in an attempt to establish dominance, the other side broke the lock and entered the club, creating a chaotic situation in the city center. Fearing that this would deteriorate the law and order situation, the administration has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and deployed the army and police.

It is learned that the dispute surrounding the press club intensified from Wednesday (May 28) night. While one side locked the press club, the other side broke it and entered on Thursday morning. As soon as the incident became known, traffic jams formed on the city's road from Chowringhee intersection to Jalasi intersection. As a result, the common people suffered greatly.

To deal with the tense situation, Additional District Magistrate of the district, Suman Chandra Das, imposed Section 144 in the area from 12:30 noon today (May 29) until further orders. The directive prohibits all types of meetings, gatherings, processions, use of microphones and illegal entry in the area.

However, this ban will not apply to emergency service organizations. These include ambulances, fire services, doctors, drug supply organizations and law enforcement agencies.

Panchagarh Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zakir Hossain said, "This decision of the administration is to avoid tension and conflict among journalists and to maintain peace and order in the district." He said that journalists from both sides present in the Press Club premises were evicted in the presence of the army and police and then the doors of the Press Club were locked.

The incident has led to mixed reactions in the political and social arena of the district. Conscious citizens have called for a peaceful solution.