Police warn BNP against causing public disturbance at Dhaka rally

The BNP will not be spared if its Sunday rally in Dhaka causes any kind of public suffering, says the Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 12 Nov 2017, 08:20 AM
Updated : 12 Nov 2017, 08:29 AM

Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to address the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan meant to observe what the BNP calls ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’.

The party observes the day on Nov 7, but this year’s programme was delayed for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, which ended on Nov 8.

BNP has been permitted to hold the rally on 23 conditions, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia told the media on Sunday while inspecting the venue.

The conditions compel them to make sure that the rally does not result in any chaos, traffic congestion or violence, he said.

“We believe the BNP will cooperate. Tight security measures have been taken.

“However, no one is above the law. Anyone, if found causing the public inconveniences, will face consequences,” Mia added.

The rally is scheduled to start at 2pm. It will be the first public rally of Khaleda, a three time prime minister, in one and a half years.

More than four platoons of police have been deployed in and around Suhrawardy Udyan, according to Abul Kalam Azad, inspector at Shahbagh Police Station.

Water cannons have been deployed at the Shahbagh intersection and in front of the Matsya Bhaban.

BNP leaders and activists started gathering at the Matsya Bhaban around 10am. The crowd grew thicker around the rally venue as hours passed.