Khulna city has virtually turned into a city of processions since Saturday morning, as BNP is set to hold its scheduled divisional rally in the afternoon, reports UNB.
Leaders and activists of the party and their associate bodies were seen coming from different areas to the rally venue in the city — in small processions — from adjacent areas since early morning.
Alhough vehicle movement, except trains, practically remained halted between Khulna with the rest of the country since Friday morning, BNP activists from 10 districts reached the venue overcoming these obstacles.
As part of its divisional program, the party will hold the rally in protest against price hike of fuel and daily essentials and the killing of five BNP leaders and activists during the recent movement, demanding the unconditional release of the party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The rally is scheduled to formally begin at 2pm where party’s senior leaders, including Secretray General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will deliver speeches to the crowd.
Fakhrul and a number of senior leaders reached in Khulna and they visited the rally venue on Friday night.
BNP activists started gathering at the Sonali Bank premises from Friday night. They also placed mats and pillows on KD Ghosh Road and stayed overnight.
Some were seen having meals after placing mats on the road while some were seen talking in groups at different city points.
Besides, the movements of small boats at Rupsha Ghat and Jailkhana Ghat remained suspended from night, causing immense sufferings to people waiting on both sides of the ghat to cross the river.
Earlier, BNP followers took position in front of its party office on KD Ghosh Road in the city with small processions at 8pm on Friday.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
