No procession, discussion on Zia's death anniversary
Staff Correspondent
The military-backed interim government yesterday decided not to allow BNP leaders, activists and workers to bring out processions and hold discussions in observance of the death anniversary of late president Ziaur Rahman, founder of the party. However, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia along with a few of her colleagues will be allowed to visit the grave of her husband Ziaur Rahman to offer fateha. Later BNP leaders and workers can also offer fateha there in a disciplined manner but they will not be allowed to make any gathering. President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and chiefs of three services will pay tribute by placing wreath at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman on May 30. Earlier on March 17, the chief adviser visited Bangabandhu complex at Tungipara to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary. "Since BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has special security cover, 12 to 20 leaders of BNP will be allowed to accompany her to offer fateha at the grave of Ziaur Rahman," Law Adviser Mainul Hosein yesterday told the reporters after a law and order advisory committee meeting at law ministry. "Other leaders and activists can also go to the mazar by maintaining discipline. But nobody would be allowed to carry posters or festoons," he said. Earlier, BNP sought permission from the authorities concerned for holding a discussion meeting and bringing procession to mark the death anniversary of its founder. Khaleda Zia was scheduled to attend the discussion.
| 
