Govt not giving power connections for grand rally: BNP
BNP yesterday alleged that the government is not giving temporary electricity connections for its Dhaka divisional grand rally scheduled for May 19 at Paltan Maidan.
"We've requested Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) for electricity supply for few hours. But the government organisation said it cannot provide sufficient wire needed for that," Nazrul Islam Khan, a standing committee member of the party, said at a press briefing at BNP's city unit office at Nayapaltan.
He also alleged that Dhaka Metropolitan Police did not entertain their request allowing them to make publicity prior to the rally. “We will hold a peaceful rally in Dhaka. Our supporters from every area across the capital will join the rally."
Party leaders said they sought 100KV power connections for using 250 microphones as well as for digital display at the Paltan rally.
On Thursday, DPDC informed BNP through a letter that the power, energy and mineral resources ministry on March 29 put an embargo on new connections for three months. So, it is not possible for them to give temporary power connection to operate mechanical equipment at the rally.
About DPDC decision, the BNP leader said they applied for electricity connections for few hours not for a mill or industry.
Khan, also coordinator of Dhaka grand rally, urged the authorities to give the electricity connections shunning any lame excuse.
Earlier, BNP Chairperson Khaleda declared from her Rajshahi rally on May 5 that she would announce party's anti-government programmes from the fifth divisional 'grand rally' in Dhaka.
Replying a question about government's plan to hike of electricity price, Khan said BNP cannot appreciate the decision as the government has failed to supply adequate power.
BNP leaders Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Abdus Salam, Shirin Sultana, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annee MP, among others, were present at the briefing.
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