The BNP-led opposition bloc announced today that it would go ahead with the October 25 rally in the capital amid uncertainties due to an indefinite ban on all kinds of political gatherings.
Terming the ban “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”, the 18-party combine urged the authorities to withdraw it immediately to create a congenial atmosphere for talks to solve the prevailing political impasse.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police imposed an indefinite ban on political meetings, rallies, human chains, demonstrations, sit-ins and processions in the capital from 6:00am Sunday.
“We, on behalf of 18-party alliance, will start the rally in front of BNP Nayapaltan office at 2:00pm on October 25,” BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced at a press briefing at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital.
He was talking to reporters after a meeting with general secretaries of the constituents of the 18-party opposition alliance.
“We hope that the government will withdraw the ban and cooperate with us in holding the rally peacefully,” said Fakhrul.
It is the government’s first duty to ensure a congenial atmosphere to hold talks to break the political standoff, he said, adding: “So, we think that the government should withdraw the ban on rally, procession and meeting immediately.”
Inspired by the statements of several ministers, police are conducting raids across the country and arresting party activists en mess, he alleged.
“We think this type of harassment, raid, arrest can never play an effective role in democracy,” he said.
Source: The Daily Star