AL rolls out new programmes to counter BNP

The ruling Awami League will hold programmes in the capital and other districts from September 23 to October 4 apparently to counter BNP's demonstrations on the streets.

AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif announced the programmes after a joint meetingyesterday.

This development comes a day after BNP unveiled a series of rallies and road marches, starting yesterday, to press home its one-point demand -- resignation of the government and national polls under a non-partisan administration.

The issue of BNP's 15-day programme was discussed at the joint meeting between AL secretaries, leaders of Dhaka city units and top leaders of the party's associate bodies. The meeting was held at the AL president's Dhanmondi office, said meeting sources.

As part of the AL's programmes, a rally will be held at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram national mosque on September 23. Dhaka (north) city AL will organise a rally in Uttara and Dhaka (south) city AL a rally at Jatrabari on September 25.

On September 27, Gazipur city AL will hold a rally at Tongi and Dhaka (north) city AL at Kafrul in the capital.

On the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi, the party will organise a doa mahfil at its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue on September 28.

Marking the birthday of AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the party will hold a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on September 29.

Krishak League will hold a farmers' rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram national mosque on September 30, while the AL will arrange a rally in Chattogram's Mirsharai on October 4.

Unveiling the programmes, Hanif called upon the leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies to actively participate in those.

The AL leader alleged that the BNP wants to divert the people's attention by telling lies in the name of democracy.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Abu Ahmad Mannafi, president of Dhaka south city AL, said they will stay on the streets in Dhaka until the election day as the BNP wants to foil the polls. "We will not let the BNP take control of the streets."