Hours after the booking for the pro-BNP convention was cancelled by authorties at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, police on Sunday permitted Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad to hold its convention at the venue with certain conditions.
Biplob Kumar Sarkar, deputy commissioner of Tejgaon Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, confirmed the granting of the permission to the Dhaka Tribune.
He said: “The pro-BNP professionals’ body can hold its convention with certain conditions.”
The conditions were: wrap up the programme by 6pm; do not form any gatherings outside the venue; the organisers cannot come to the venue with processions; and they cannot chant slogans or issue any provocative remarks.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to join the convention.
“Khaleda Zia will join the programme as chief guest and will speak there,” Syrul Kabir Khan, an official of the BNP chairperson’s press wing, told the Dhaka Tribune Sunday morning.
Security measures have been strengthened in the venue area since the morning.
In the face of growing tensions over possible political violence, police on Saturday imposed a ban on all sorts of mass gatherings including rally, procession, agitation, sit-ins and human chains in the capital for an indefinite period from 6am on Sunday.
“The ban will be applicable for both outdoor and indoor programmes,” Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told the Dhaka Tribune.
