BNP wants to hold 'Solidarity Day' rally Nov 7 or 8

BNP yesterday chalked out a 10-day programme, including a rally at the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan on November 7 or 8, to mark what it calls National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

“The Awami League is holding its council there (Suhrawardy Udyan) using state machinery. We hope we'll at least be able to exercise our right to hold a rally either on November 7 or 8,” BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while briefing media at the party's Naya Paltan central office.

While BNP and its allies celebrate November 7 as "National Revolution and Solidarity Day", the ruling party considers it a day of "killing of freedom fighters".

The programme includes hoisting the party flags atop its all offices on the morning of November 7, and placing wreaths and offering prayers at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975 jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the path for Zia to come to power.

AL INVITES BNP

AL yesterday invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Secretary General Fakhrul Islam to its council, scheduled for October 22-23.

A five-member delegation, led by AL's deputy office secretary Mrinal Kanti Das, handed over the invitation cards to Fakhrul at Naya Paltan office.

Talking to reporters, Mrinal, said, "We hope they'll join our national council." Asked, Fakhrul later said the party would discuss the matter to decide whether to attend the council.