BNP has urged the government to allow them to hold a rally at Naya Paltan on Friday as an alternative to Suhrawardy Udyan.
“BNP has submitted a fresh application to the police and Dhaka South City Corporation seeking permission for holding a rally in Naya Paltan,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press briefing at BNP headquarters in Naya Paltan on Wednesday.
He also mentioned that an Islamist party was allowed to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan the same day.
On Monday, BNP announced to hold a rally in Dhaka and bring out black flag processions nationwide on January 5 to observe “Democracy Killing Day.” BNP observes the day to register its protest against 10th parliamentary polls held on that day in 2014.
Also Read- BNP calls rally, black flag procession on January 5
Rizvi said: “We would like to believe that the government will show respect for BNP's democratic rights, and give it a scope for holding a peaceful rally by providing permission for the program.
“We also sought permission for holding the rally in front of our Naya Paltan office on January 5 if Suhrawardy Udyan is not allowed to be used as a venue," he added.
Rizvi alleged that the government has given an unknown Islamic party the permission for holding a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on January 5 ignoring the application of BNP.
“The government has a deep-rooted blueprint and it is making a mockery on January 5. We have seen the manifestation of its mockery as it has given an infamous party permission [for holding a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan]," he said.
He also said the government has exposed its vindictive policy towards BNP by not giving it permission for the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.