Tension built centring the separate public rallies of opposition BNP and three front organisations of the ruling Awami League, scheduled for today (Thursday), in Dhaka was largely deffused last night when political rivals decided to hold their programmes tomorrow (Friday).
The change of decision came when the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) declined to allow the BNP to hold its rally at the venues---Nayapaltan and Suhrawardy Uddyan---of its choice and requested to shift the programme at Golapbagh Maidan. At the same time, the DMP also requested the AL to shift its venue to the Dhaka University physical exercise ground.
The DMP commissioner refused to grant permission in view of the 'public sufferings' caused by such rallies on busy roads on the working days. He also requested to hold the rallies on weekend days.
The BNP high-ups held an emergency meeting Wednesday evening and decided to hold the programme on Friday at Nayapaltan.
The front organizations --- Chhatra League, Jubo League and Swechasebak League --- of AL also decided to hold their rally tomorrow at Agargaon shilpa mela ground.
Earlier, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) gave a verbal permission to BNP on Wednesday for holding its grand -rally at Golapbagh ground in the capital.
"Thursday is a working day, so we request them (BNP) not to hold their (BNP's) rally at Naya Paltan or Suhrawardy Udyan. We advised them (BNP) to hold the rally at Golapbagh ground," Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq told the media after seeing in person the security measures taken on the eve of upcoming Ashura at Imambara, Lalbagh in the city.
He, however, said they were yet to give official permission to BNP about the venue for holding Thursday's rally.
The DMP chief added the High Court has an observation regarding holding rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.
"We verbally urged them (BNP) to see Golapbagh ground for holding rally," he said.
Meanwhile, a huge contingent of police were deployed in front of the BNP headquarters at Nayapaltan in the city.
Earlier BNP sent a letter to DMP seeking permission for holding their rally either in front of the party's Naya Paltan office or at Suhrawardy Udyan to press for their one-point demand- the resignation of the government.
BNP along with 32 other parties have been on the movement for immediate resignation of the government paving the way for holding a free, fair and participatory national election under a neutral caretaker government.
The DMP commissioner said they have received applications from nine political parties including Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party for holding party programmes in the city.
They will give permission to some of those nine political parties for holding meetings or rallies today.
He said the parties which will get permission could hold meetings due to their democratic rights.
He also said at the same time it is the duty of DMP to ensure safety and security of the city dwellers.
Mr Faruk called upon the political parties to consider the sufferings of the people due to meetings on the working days in the capital.
He urged the political parties not to hold any political programme on the working days in the city.
He also advised those who are wishing to join the political programme not to carry sticks and bags.
The DMP chief said they (police) might impose restrictions on political programmes if these create public sufferings.
"I want to say that political parties and leaders can hold their programmes, but that by any means not inflicting suffering on the people," he warned.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
