Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has cleared the BNP to hold a public rally on Sunday (Sept 30) on 22 conditions.
Earlier on Saturday, a BNP’s Publicity Affairs Secretary Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdus Salam Azad met DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia seeking permission to hold the rally at the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan.
Annie told Bangla Tribune, “We got permission to hold the rally on Sunday. We are taking all necessary preparations.”
The 22 conditions by the DMP are as follows:
1. This permission letter is not approval to use the venue; for which a separate permission must be taken from relevant authorities.
2. Activities that go against law and order, public interest and public safety are not allowed.
3. Provocative remarks or distribution of leaflets with such statements will not be allowed.
4. Depiction of satirical image, statements that hurt religious sensitivities is not allowed.
5. All rally-related activities must be kept limited within the Suhrawardy Udyan premises.
6. Sufficient number of volunteers (with visible ID cards) must be deployed to ensure order and security.
7. High resolution CC cameras must be installed inside and outside of the rally venue according to local police administration’s directive.
8. Archway-type metal detectors must be installed at all entrances along with security personnel equipped with hand-held metal detectors.
9. Vehicle Scanner Search Mirror must be used to allow vehicles to enter the premises.
10. Fire extinguishing facilities must be made available.
11. Speakers cannot be installed outside of permitted area.
12. Projectors cannot be placed by roadside and outside of the area permitted.
13. No gathering outside the permitted area, or on roads and sidewalks.
14. Megaphones cannot be used during prayer and times considered religiously sensitive.
15. The stage cannot be used for purposes other than the permitted rally.
16. People can enter the venue two hours before the rally begins.
17. All rally-related activities must be completed by 5pm.
18. No gathering on roads close to the venue and no blocking of traffic movement will be allowed.
19. All sorts of sticks, batons and rods (even as festoon support) are banned during the event.
20. Joining the rally in procession not allowed.
21. In case of failing to adhere to the said conditions, this permission letter will be rendered as void.
22. Authorities reserve the right to revoke this permission without showing any reason for the sake of public interest.
On Sept 24, BNP and the ruling coalition declared to hold their rallies on the same day Saturday (Sept 29). Later BNP decided not to hold their rally on Saturday upon DMP’s request and rescheduled their planned date for rally on Sunday instead.
Ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance is set to hold their rally at the capitals Mahanagar Natya Mancha on Saturday.