Uncertainty looms over tomorrow’s rally

Despite adequate preparations, uncertainty looms large over BNP’s divisional rally in Rajshahi -- to be held tomorrow -- as the authorities have denied their request for the venue.

BNP leaders yesterday alleged that their arrangements are further being affected since law enforcers are arresting their leaders and activists ahead of the rally.

Police officials acknowledged arresting “some BNP men” from different districts, but following “prior warrants”.

BNP leaders also alleged that transport owners have threatened to hold a strike on the day of the rally.

The party leaders, however, vowed to hold the rally tomorrow. The decision was taken at a meeting at BNP office in the city on Thursday, chaired by city unit President Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul.

“The authorities cannot keep us away from exercising our political rights,” Ruhul Kuddus Talukder, BNP divisional organising secretary, told this correspondent yesterday. “Our senior leaders are trying to get permission for a venue by contacting top leaders of the ruling party.”

He said the rally is important for them as they want to establish democratic practices in the country as well as free their chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Early this month, local leaders sought permission from Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Hamidul Islam for using the field of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School. Known as Madrasa Maidan, the field is widely used for holding political gatherings.

They also sought security clearance from Rajshahi Metropolitan Police. On Thursday, Hamidul denied BNP’s request while RMP is yet to respond, said party leaders.

The DC, in a letter, cited four reasons -- the rally will hamper the school’s academic activities; may damage the field; untoward incidents may take place due to such a huge gathering and the school’s infrastructures may get damaged.

“There’s no possibility of permitting them,” the DC told this correspondent. He said the school authorities do not want any political gathering at their field.

Contacted, RMP spokesperson Additional Deputy Commissioner Golam Ruhul Kuddus said, “If BNP is not permitted to hold the rally on the field, we cannot give them security clearance.”

Police will not allow any “illegal gathering”, he added. About the arrests, he said they arrested some 20 activists as they had warrants out against them.

Yesterday, BNP leaders Bulbul, Mizanur Rahman Minu and Shafiqul Haque Milon were seen visiting different areas and distributing leaflets among people in support of the rally.

After organising rallies in other divisions, BNP planned to hold the Rajshahi rally on July 29. The party changed the date to September 29 as the local administration did not allow it, citing the overall flood situation in the division.