Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday said no official permission has been given to BNP yet to hold their rally at Nayapaltan area in the capital.
He said this in response to a journalist’s question after inaugurating the 2nd Sheikh Kamal SAARC Snooker Championship in the capital, reports UNB.
“As big rallies cannot be held anywhere else except Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, the government decided to give BNP permission for that venue,” he added.
The home minister said BNP requested for Suhrawardy Udyan along with two other venues themselves and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner also found it to be suitable.
“There are some Awami League programmes scheduled to be held there, after that BNP will be able to hold their rally,” said Asaduzzaman.
When asked about BNP’s sticking to hold rally in Paltan, he said the government has no obligation to giving permission according to their demand.
“Government permits only where suitable. No official permission has been granted to them yet to hold a rally at Nayapaltan area,” he added.
When questioned whether BNP can hold the rally anywhere else, the home minister said, “Where else can such a huge gathering be held? BNP requested for the venue in front of Parliament, but none is allowed to hold a rally there.”
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
