BNP holds mass processions across Bangladesh

The opposition BNP held mass processions at the district and metropolitan levels across Bangladesh on Saturday.

It is the first program to realize the 10-point demand announced on December 10 from the party's divisional rally in Dhaka.

The anti-government mass processions taking place all over Bangladesh were in Barisal, Bhola, Sunamganj, Meherpur, Pirojpur, Dinajpur, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Lalmonirhat, Bandarban, Chittagong, Panchagarh and Sylhet.

It has been reported that there were clashes, chases, and counter-chases between police and other law enforcement agencies, and activists of the opposition party during the processions.

Multiple arrests have also been reported from all across Bangladesh.

Dhaka Tribune

In Barisal, a procession took place in the district and metropolitan BNP office premises at around 12pm on Saturday. 

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, along with district and upazila-level leaders, participated in the program.

In Bhola, a mass procession started from the BNP party office in Mahajanpatti area of the district on Saturday afternoon. 

When the procession reached the city's Dalan area, it was stopped by the police. 

In protest, BNP leaders and activists took up positions on the road and returned to the party office after some time. 

Dhaka Tribune

In Rangamati, thousands of BNP leaders and activists gathered to demand the release of the party's chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and realize its 10-point demand.

The procession circled the main road of the city and ended in front of Banrupa Bazar after an announcement by district unit BNP President Deepen Talukdar Dipu.

In Dinajpur, the procession took place at the district unit BNP office and circumambulated the main roads of the city.

During the procession, several leaders demanded the unconditional release of all the leaders, including the BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. 

The speakers also said those who gave blood in the movement will not have their struggle go in vain. 

The fascist government will be ousted through the movement, including the establishment of voting rights, they added. 

Dhaka Tribune

Meanwhile, police arrested 15 Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami men when they took out a procession from the city's Rail Station Chattar. 

In Faridpur, a clash broke out between the police and BNP men during the procession.

Later, the BNP leaders spoke in front of the party office for almost half an hour, as the police did not allow the party to hold the rally.

A large number of policemen were deployed in front of the party office on Kathpatti Road in the city since Saturday morning. 

Besides, police were also deployed at various important places in the district. 

Dhaka Tribune

In Chittagong, different district units of the Jamaat-e-Islami staged mass protests in Mohammadpur under Panchlaish police station.

A total of nine Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists were arrested during the pre-announced procession demanding the release of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the implementation of a 10-point charter. 

In Panchagarh, a BNP leader was killed during fierce clashes between party activists and police in Panchagarh on Saturday.

Over 50 people, including policemen, were injured in the incident as well.

The deceased leader was identified as Abdur Rashid Arefin, 50, joint convener of Maidandighi union unit BNP.

Our Barisal correspondent Anisur Rahman Swapan, Bhola correspondent  Ahad Chowdhury Tuhin, Rangamati correspondent Bijoy Dhar, Dinajpur correspondent Faruk Hossain, Faridpur correspondent Rashedul Hasan Kajol, and Chittagong correspondent Pimple Barua contributed to this report