Dec 10 mass rally: BNP prefers Arambag as alternative venue

BNP wants Nayapaltan as venue for Dhaka divisional mass rally on December 10. The government has given permission to hold at the Suhrawardy Udyan. However, BNP does not accept that and is still negotiating with police administration.

BNP leaders said Arambag area is the first choice as an alternative to Nayapaltan for holding the gigantic gathering. They said that they will think about other venues in the capital.

Mirza Abbas, a member of the party’s standing committee, said BNP will not hold its December 10 mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan or on the brink of Turag river.

He said, we want to hold the rally on the road in front of Arambag CNG pump as an alternative to Nayapaltan. Yesterday and today, Monday (December 5), the matter was reported verbally to the police.

According to several sources of BNP, the party has taken a somewhat flexible position as part of its political strategy considering the overall situation including avoiding conflict and ongoing arrests. That is why this alternative has been proposed by the party.

DC Hayatul Islam Khan of Motijheel Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said that the alternative venue on Arambag Road has been verbally discussed on behalf of BNP.

He said the BNP leaders have verbally asked for permission to hold the mass rally in Arambag if Nayapaltan is not given. But that is also on the road. So we have to think about public welfare and safety. The entire matter is under scrutiny. Police are maintaining contact with BNP leaders.

The police officer said Suhrawardy Udyan has been allocated to BNP after considering all issues including security, traffic congestion and suffering. Considering the overall aspect, I hope that BNP will finally hold their programme at Suhrawardy Udyan.