Softening its earlier position on holding its December 10 Dhaka rally at Nayapaltan, BNP on Sunday said they will consider other venue options suggested by the government, reports UNB.
However, the party accused the government of unnecessarily creating complications over a peaceful democratic programme.
“Our Dhaka rally will be the most successful and peaceful. We urge the government not to create any instability by trying to divert our programme to a different direction,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at an impromptu press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also warned that the government will be held responsible if any chaotic situation is created over the rally.
He once again urged the government to stop arresting BNP leaders and activists and release those who were arrested – for ensuring a democratic environment.
Replying to a question, Fakhrul said their party standing committee member Mirza Abbas on Saturday called upon the government to come up with an alternative – to Nayapaltan and Suhrawardy Udyan – venue for holding the Dhaka rally.
“If we get any suitable alternative venue, then we will consider it. But it should not be Suhrawardy Udyan or on the Turag (river) bank,” he added.
Fakhrul also said that over 1,000 BNP leaders and activists have been arrested since November 30 in Dhaka division, centering the rally. “Our leaders can’t even stay at home due to the raids by police.”
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
