The BNP has said that it will hold its December 10 rally in front of the party office at Naya Paltan if the government does not come up with an alternative venue.
BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said this at a press conference held at the party's central office on Wednesday.
“Our rally will be peaceful. We have chosen Naya Paltan for our program; now the government has to suggest an alternative and acceptable venue. If the government cannot provide a suitable venue, we will hold our rally at our chosen place, no matter what happens,” said Abbas.
Replying to a question, Abbas said they hope that the police will be neutral while performing their duties.
“They say that our program will cause public suffering. But the road in front of the Awami League's central office in Gulistan and road No 32 in Dhanmondi have been blocked for the last 20 years. Are the people of these areas not suffering due to the blockade?” added Abbas.
Abbas further said Awami League leaders are in fear of losing power as they are using the law enforcement agencies for conducting drives at the homes of BNP leaders and activists and arresting them without any valid reason.
BNP Publicity Secretary Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said they want Motijheel Ideal School and College premises to be an alternative venue for their rally.
“We attended a meeting with the police today at 2pm where we reiterated that we want our rally to be held either at Naya Paltan or on the Ideal School premises. We are currently waiting for a response from the police,” said Anee.
