BNP activists and leaders, tens of thousands in numbers, joined an anti-government rally in port-city Chattogram amid tight security on Wednesday.
This rally is part of the series of protests of the party against government, report UNB.
The rally began on Wednesday afternoon at the city’s historic Polo Ground where presence of police and other security officials was visible as authorities say they remained alert to prevent any unwanted incident from happening.
Organizers said the rally was aimed to denounce price hike of daily essentials and fuels, death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Jashore, and to ensure freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to announce the party’s next programmes at the rally later Wednesday.
Chattogram City unit BNP Convenor Dr Shahdat Hossain chaired the meeting scheduled to be held after the rally.
The BNP activists started gathering at the rally venue by vehicles and on foot since Tuesday night from different districts and units under Chattogram Division.
Many of them alleged that they faced obstacles at various entry points of the country’s second largest city as the ruling party men allegedly attempted to intercept them.
Tension was prevailing high in and around the rally venue.
Wednesday’s rally is the first rally by the BNP at the divisional level. Similar rallies have been planned in other divisional headquarters to drum up support in the run up to the next election expected to be held late next year or in early 2024.
The BNP will conclude the divisional rallies through a mass gathering in Dhaka city on December 10.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
