Tension over the BNP's December 10 rally in Dhaka mounted high on Tuesday as the opposition party once again failed to reach an agreement with the government and law enforcement agencies on the venue of its rally.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources said the BNP must hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, as it has been given permission to use the venue. However, the BNP leaders are adamant that they will not hold the rally there, although mentioning that they are open to other options.
The BNP's preferred venue is the road in front of the party's Naya Paltan central office, a proposition rejected by the ruling party and the government, fearing street violence.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Faruk Hossain on Tuesday told journalists: ““The party has made a proposal to hold the rally in the Arambagh area. However, the DMP is firm on allowing the rally in Suhrawardy Udyan only.”
The DMP will not allow gatherings on the streets, the official added.
On the other hand, several members of the BNP standing committee told Bangla Tribune that the matter of not holding its biggest rally at Suhrawardy Udyan was finalized on Monday. The decision was taken in a two-hour virtual meeting with the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
“None of the [BNP] members agreed to this proposal of the government [to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan]. However, discussions with the government on an alternative venue are ongoing,” a BNP leader said.
Another standing committee member said: “If they do not consider [Arambagh], we will hold our rally at Naya Paltan. In that case, if there is obstruction by the police, that is also a minus point for the government.”
At an event at a Dhaka hotel on Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party was sure to hold the rally on December 10 to intensify the party's ongoing anti-government movement.
“No one should have any confusion about the program as we must hold the rally on that day in Dhaka,” he said.
The BNP leader also described a recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and victims of arson violence as a staged drama.
“We have got information from various sources that around 200 buses have been arranged to be set on fire. We have also got some hints that some cadres of the Chhatra League and Jubo League will be deployed at every ward and thana to prevent violence. We've become alert about it,” Fakhruk said.
He also reiterated that the people should resist the current “monstrous regime” with all their might.
Quader smells sabotage plot
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said the government would step up security across the country from today in order to prevent any sabotage by the BNP.
"Get ready for the month of victory. Vigilance will be ensured in all rallies, districts, cities, wards, unions, upazilas, thanas from tomorrow," he said
“We must save Sheikh Hasina. The lives and property of the country must be protected. So stay careful,” the AL leader added.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at the 30th National Council of Bangladesh Chhatra League. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, inaugurated the council around 11:30am.
"Two days ago, the foundation stone of Dhaka-Sylhet road was blown up at midnight. Who did this? They are the sponsors of militancy; they are the source of communalism. Who are they, they are Bangladesh ‘Nalish' Party (BNP)," Quader further said.
Later in the day, at the Secretariat, Quader told journalists that the issue over the venue for BNP's rally would be resolved soon.
"No one wants any chaos in the country. The problem regarding the BNP's rally venue will be resolved soon," he said.
Any chaos caused by the BNP would receive a befitting reply from the government and the Awami League, he added.
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the government would not allow anyone to create chaos in the country and resist any such bid along with Awami League leaders and activists and the people of the country.
The people of the country will decide who will be in power and diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power, he told reporters at his office.
“People own this country. They will decide who will be in power and who will not be. Diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power,” he said.
