Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League staged a sudden protest march in broad daylight on Sadar Road, the central area of Barishal city, on Friday after the Juma prayers. The demonstration called for lifting the ban on Awami League activities and demanded justice for the killing of a police officer. The unexpected rally created tension in the city, as it took place within 200 yards of a police station.

Eyewitnesses said the march began around 2:30 p.m. from the Bibir Pukur area and advanced toward the Kakli intersection near the traffic police box. About 30 participants were seen chanting slogans and carrying banners with similar demands before dispersing quickly into nearby alleys. Most participants were unidentified, with several wearing masks and sunglasses, making recognition difficult.

Following the incident, police increased patrols across the city. Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Al Mamun-ul Islam stated that the group had chosen the prayer time to gather unexpectedly and that police would identify the participants from video footage and take legal action.