BNP to get permission to hold rally in Rajshahi on 12 conditions

BNP will get permission to hold a divisional mass rally in Rajshahi on 12 conditions. BNP is preparing to hold a rally on the Madrasa ground of Rajshahi on December 3. The deputy commissioner (DC) has already given permission to BNP to use the field from December 1.

However, the police have to take separate permission for holding public gatherings and using microphones. BNP did not get the permission until Tuesday (November 29) despite the application. However, the police have taken an initial decision to allow the mass gathering in the madrasa grounds on at least 12 conditions. But BNP will be officially informed about it only two days before the rally.

Close Circuit (CC) cameras are being installed all over the madrasa grounds. Work is going on in full swing since last Sunday. The entire assembly area including the ground and surrounding roads will be covered by CC cameras. Footage will be collected to monitor any incidents or untoward incidents.

In this regard, RMP’s cyber crime unit chief Utpal Kumar Chowdhury said not only the gathering place, but also the entrances of Rajshahi including the entire city, will be covered by CC cameras. The cameras will be monitored from the control room of the cyber crime unit. The movement of BNP leaders and people coming to the rally will be monitored.

Rajshahi City Police Commissioner Abu Kalam Siddique said at least 12 conditions will be given to BNP including not to damage property, end the rally between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, not to install the microphone outside the rally venue, and stop the sound of the microphone during the Azan. If they agree on the conditions, BNP may be allowed to hold the rally.

BNP has called for a division mass rally at the historical madrasa ground of Rajshahi on December 3 as part of the series of programs across the country. However, the BNP could not start the construction of the stage due to the lack of permission from the police.

Convener of ground decoration sub-committee and member of central executive committee of BNP Saiful Islam Marshal said, “We have applied for allotment of ground for mass rally. But we have not received the written permission yet. Even if we get permission a day earlier, we will prepare the venue.”