Thousands of leaders and followers of the BNP and its associate bodies have turned out for the party's “divisional rally” in Faridpur on Saturday, overcoming various obstacles and bus strike that began on Friday morning, reports UNB.
The rally, organised by Faridpur district unit BNP, formally began at 11am on the Komorpur Abdul Aziz Institution premises, around 6km away from the district town.
The rally venue was almost filled with BNP leaders and activists on Friday night as they gathered there in advance from the adjacent districts, fearing obstacles by ruling party men and police, hassles caused by the bus strike, and a showdown as Faridpur is known as a bastion of the ruling Awami League.
An adequate number of police and other security officials have been deployed around the rally venue and at different points of the town to prevent any untoward incident.
BNP leaders alleged that their activists are being obstructed at different entry points and police check posts and C&B Ghat by law enforcers from joining the rally.
However, BNP activists were seen coming to the rally venue in small processions, chanting anti-government slogans, since early morning.
As the vehicles and auto-rickshaws were not allowed to go towards Komorpur Abdul Aziz Institution from the town, many BNP leaders and workers were forced to walk around 6km to take part in the rally.
The organisers said the rally was meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuels, the death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Jashore, and to ensure the freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
