Dhaka, Oct. 23 -- Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has said the recent flash rallies organised by the Awami League and its affiliates "exist only on social media", dismissing the activity as virtual displays rather than real street movements.

On Thursday, Commissioner Sazzat urged the public not to be alarmed.

"There's no reason to panic about their activities," he said.

"For the past 15-20 days, there haven't been any real rallies. Those who take part come from different towns, stay overnight, stand in one spot, pull out a banner from their pocket, shoot a short video -- maybe 30 seconds or a minute -- and post it on Facebook.

"Then everyone thinks there's been some massive rally. But this is the age of social med...