Democratic principles trampled

We have never seen in our life a political party in power uses so openly and daringly all the power at its disposal to thwart simply a political rally called by the opposition! The government actions centering round BNP rally of the March 12 have left such a negative impression on the public mind that many of them now consider the ruling Awami League as a fascist party in a democratic garb. In a democratic set-up, can a government trample basic democratic principles under foot in this way?