Published : 29 Jul 2023, 12:28 PM
Updated : 29 Jul 2023, 12:28 PM
A large number of police personnel have been deployed at several entry points to Dhaka after the BNP announced sit-in programmes to push its demand for the Awami League government to resign.
The BNP office and its adjacent areas in Old Dhaka’s Naya Bazar were surrounded by a huge number of police and Ansar personnel on Saturday.
Political parties were not permitted to hold any rallies in Naya Bazar, police said. “We are here to ensure that no disturbance takes place.”
Members of law enforcement agencies were also spotted in Naya Bazar’s Nawab Sirajuddaula park.
BNP activist Rafiq Howladar said, "We will conduct a peaceful sit-in programme here. Our leaders, workers, and supporters are scattered everywhere. We are awaiting directions from our leaders.”
The opposition party activists will occupy the points of entry to the capital from 11 am to 4 pm, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced at a rally in Naya Paltan on Friday.
According to the announcement, programmes will be held in the capital’s Gabtoli, Jatrabari, Uttara, and Naya Bazar areas.
The opposition alliances will also hold five-hour sit-in programmes at various entry points to Dhaka on Saturday to demand the resignation of the government.
Meanwhile, leaders and activists of Jubo League and Bangladesh Awami Swechchha Sebok League have gathered at Naya Bazar kitchen market intersection, chanting slogans.
Police have stationed a prison van at Naya Bazar. The law enforcers have also surrounded Jatrabari and other areas.
The ruling party has not announced any counter-demonstration, but its General Secretary Obaidul Quader alerted leaders and activists to possible violence during the BNP’s programmes.
