Rajshahi Rally: BNP finally gets the nod from police

The BNP was yesterday given a conditional police approval for holding a rally in Rajshahi city today.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and most of the party standing committee members are likely to address the rally in front of Central Eidgah Maidan this afternoon.

The programme would be organised to press for the release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is jail on corruption charges, said party sources.

Party leaders and activists from Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, Bogura, Joypurhat, Pabna and Sirajganj are expected to join the rally, the sources said.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police said it gave permission for the rally on 22 conditions.

Those conditions include no one would say anything at the programme that goes against the state and could deteriorate law and order. Also, no speech in favour of war criminals would be allowed.

After completing rallies at other divisions, the BNP decided to organise a rally in Rajshahi division on July 29. It, however, had to defer the programme till September 12 due to “flood situation” in the country.

Earlier this month, the party said it would hold the rally today. But it was denied police permission.

Yesterday’s police permission came after the BNP held a press conference in the morning.

Speaking there, BNP chief’s adviser Mizanur Rahman Minu said the ruling Awami League was using police to foil the rally.