The ruling BNP and opposition parties will take to the streets today amid security concerns over possible flash processions by leaders and activists of the Awami League on its founding anniversary.
BNP leaders said the party high command had instructed leaders and activists at all levels to remain vigilant, maintain their presence in their respective areas, and immediately inform law enforcers if they notice any attempt to create disorder.
The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, including NCP, announced a rally yesterday, coinciding with the founding anniversary of the AL, activities of which have been banned.
Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, “BNP and all its associate bodies have been given necessary instructions accordingly.”
Party insiders said organisational units in divisions, districts, and metropolitan areas held meetings yesterday. They were asked to coordinate with local administrations and ensure that no banned group could use the day to trigger chaos.
BNP units were also asked to organise rallies, sit-ins, and taking out of processions in certain areas. In some districts, leaders were told to ready patrols by motorbikes.
A senior BNP leader, seeking anonymity, said grassroots leaders had been instructed to avoid confrontation and ensure that party activists do not violate law and order.”
BNP sources said party units in more than 20 districts, including Sirajganj, Netrokona, and Sherpur, held preparatory programmes yesterday. Similar activities are expected today in district towns, upazila headquarters, and key points in Dhaka.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said its activists would be on the street across the country.
“Chhatra Dal will remain organisationally active in the field so that no one can create instability or disorder. Our leaders and activists will be present across the country to resist any kind of chaos and will cooperate with law enforcement agencies.”
Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna said, “They will take to the streets and remain alert to prevent any unwanted incident.”
Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance yesterday announced a rally at Bijoynagar at 5:00pm today. Jamaat Ameer and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to attend as the chief guest.
The alliance said the rally would press for trials over enforced disappearances and killings committed during the Awami League rule. It also announced nationwide protest rallies and processions on July 4.
The programmes were announced at a press briefing at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar yesterday. Speaking there, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad described June 23 as a “painful day” in Bangladesh’s political history.
He alleged that over the last 17 years, the country’s independence, sovereignty, and people’s rights had been repeatedly compromised to keep the former government in power.
The National Citizen Party will also hold demonstrations across the country today. The party has instructed its district and metropolitan units to hold rallies at 5:00pm, the NCP media cell said in a statement yesterday.
