BNP alleges govt trying to obstruct grand rally
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Opposition BNP Friday alleged that the government was not giving electricity connection to the city's Paltan Maidan to obstruct the party's May 19 Dhaka divisional grand rally at the venue, reports UNB.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, also chief coordinator of the Dhaka grand rally, made the allegation at a press briefing at Maulana Bhasani auditorium of the party's city office at Nayapaltan.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to announce the programme of anti-government movement from the Paltan Maidan rally.
BNP earlier sought 100 KV power connections for using 250 microphones as well as for digital display at the Paltan Maidan grand rally.
On Thursday, Dhaka Power Distribution Com-pany informed BNP through a letter that the power, energy and mineral resources ministry on March 29 put embargo on new electricity connection for three months. So, it is not possible for them to give temporary power connection to operate mechanical equipment in the Paltan grand rally.
Responding to the Dhaka Power Distribution Company's letter, Nazrul said they did not seek any new power connection for permanent use in mills and factories.
"We've sought electricity connection for temporary use for only few hours. But the government by showing a silly excuse is not giving power connection to obstruct the BNP's grand rally," he told the reporters.
He said they had hoped that as the government claimed it to be democratic it would cooperate with the BNP's programme. But instead of extending cooperation, they were creating obstacles at every step, he alleged.
Another report adds: BNP expressed its reservations about the government's plan to hike power price.
Nazrul termed the decision 'irrational'.
He added that BNP cannot appreciate the price hike as the government has failed to supply adequate power.
The senior BNP leader metaphorically described the move as putting more burden on a struggling man.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, also chief coordinator of the Dhaka grand rally, made the allegation at a press briefing at Maulana Bhasani auditorium of the party's city office at Nayapaltan.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to announce the programme of anti-government movement from the Paltan Maidan rally.
BNP earlier sought 100 KV power connections for using 250 microphones as well as for digital display at the Paltan Maidan grand rally.
On Thursday, Dhaka Power Distribution Com-pany informed BNP through a letter that the power, energy and mineral resources ministry on March 29 put embargo on new electricity connection for three months. So, it is not possible for them to give temporary power connection to operate mechanical equipment in the Paltan grand rally.
Responding to the Dhaka Power Distribution Company's letter, Nazrul said they did not seek any new power connection for permanent use in mills and factories.
"We've sought electricity connection for temporary use for only few hours. But the government by showing a silly excuse is not giving power connection to obstruct the BNP's grand rally," he told the reporters.
He said they had hoped that as the government claimed it to be democratic it would cooperate with the BNP's programme. But instead of extending cooperation, they were creating obstacles at every step, he alleged.
Another report adds: BNP expressed its reservations about the government's plan to hike power price.
Nazrul termed the decision 'irrational'.
He added that BNP cannot appreciate the price hike as the government has failed to supply adequate power.
The senior BNP leader metaphorically described the move as putting more burden on a struggling man.