BNP gives up on Suhrawardy Udyan, seeks Naya Paltan rally permission

The BNP has asked for permission to organise a rally in front of its headquarters in the capital's Naya Paltan if it does not get Suhrawardy Udyan as the venue.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 Jan 2017, 05:45 PM
Updated : 6 Jan 2017, 06:13 PM

Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday, a day before the planned rally, they would be able to hold the rally 'successfully' if they get either of the two venues.

The party observes Jan 5 as the 'Death of Democracy Day' marking the 2014 parliamentary elections it boycotted.

It announced programmes for two days this year to observe the day. Black-flag marches were held across the country, except Dhaka, on Thursday. The Dhaka programme is all about the planned rally.

The BNP sought permission to hold the rally at Suhrwardy Udyan but Dhaka Metropolitan Police did not give the go-ahead until Friday evening.

"If they (DMP) give us the permission by the evening, we will successfully stage the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan tomorrow (Saturday). I hope your (government's) good sense will prevail," Mirza Fakhrul said.

"I am also saying that if they have problem giving that venue, we will also be able to make the rally a success if we get the place in front of our party office," he added.

The BNP secretary general was speaking at the preparatory meeting for the rally at the party office.

He said the government was not eager to give permission for the BNP programmes because it is 'afraid of a public uprising'.

The politician criticised the government for the changes in the top brass of the Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited.

Those demonstrating for war crimes trial have been vocal against some Jamaat-e-Islami leaders' involvement in the bank.

Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, a founding vice-chairman of the bank, has been hanged for war crimes.

Bangladesh Bank has also been monitoring the Islami Bank. An observer was appointed to the bank in 2010.

The bank's board of directors appointed a new chairman, a vice-chairman and managing director on Thursday.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged ruling Awami League leaders were 'looting' the banks.

Now they have captured the Islami Bank," he said.