BNP rally uncertain as cops take full control of Badre Alam College field

Law enforcers stormed Badre Alam College premises in Bhawal in Gazipur and established total control over the college field and its adjoining area on Thursday night as tension is running high between local units of BNP and Awami League over Khaleda Zia's planned rally there. The BNP-led 20-party alliance called a public rally in Badre Alam College premises for Saturday to be addressed by Khaleda Zia. But Bangladesh Chhatra League vowed not to allow BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to attend the rally at Badre Alam College premises on Saturday. On the other hand, BNP leaders on Thursday evening expressed their firm resolve to organise the rally in Badre Alam College grounds on Dec 27 even as the ruling party’s student front vowed to thwart it. Amid statements by BNP in favour of holding the rally and pledges to make it a success at any cost and counter statements issued by the BCL that the BNP chief will not be allowed to address the rally in the Bhawal govt college area, local BNP activists on Thursday were taking final preparations to organise the rally there on Saturday and making allout preparations to give foolproof security to Khaleda Zia and ensure that she safely enters Gazipur on Saturday and leaves Bhawal Badre-e-Alam college venue in a peaceful atmosphere after addressing the rally. Police suddenly took control over the college grounds last night amid growing tension between the 2 rival organisations over the 20-party rally. The BNP alleged that police deployed on the venue are barring the party activists from making arrangements for the rally. With only 1 day left before the scheduled rally, the local administration has not yet responded to the 20-party alliance’s applicaton seeking permission to hold the rally, according to a news agency.