The BNP-led 20-party allaince is likely to announce 48-hour to 72-hour non-stop hartal if they are obstructed from hold its planned rally for which it did not get permission till last night, according to a highly placed source.
The hartal is likely to be enforced on Wednesday and Thursday or three days from Tuesday.
If the government does not give them permission, the BNP will hold its rally in front of its party office at Naya Paltan and party chairperson Khaleda Zia will join it, said the source.The source said the former premier, who asked the party leaders and activists to join the rally, would herself announce the next course of action.
A BNP standing committee member preferring to anonymity said that they have already completed their preparation to take to ther streets to mark the first anniversary of January 5 “farcical poll”.
He said the BNP that announced the January 5 as democracy killing day would wait till Sunday (4 January) night for permisison and would hold a peaceful rally in front of party office even if they are not given permission.
Standing committee member Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman hoped that the government would give permission to hold the rally finally if their good sense prevails and they behave democratically.
“Otherwise, tougher action will be announced on January 5,” he said.
BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed said they would hold the rally in front of party office if they are not given permission.
Replying to a question he said there is a possibility of announcing tougher programme on January 5, if they are not given permission for the rally. “But I do not want to disclose it now,” he added.
Meanwhile, another senior leader of the BNP said they have preparation to stage showdown at ward and thana levels if they are not given permission. – Staff Reporter
