STAFF REPORTER
Dhaka,Mar 7-The BNP is yet to get permission to hold its planned rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city on March 12 demanding the release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, according to party sources.The party is also not given green signal to hold rallies at Hadis Park in Khulna on March 10 and Laldighi Ground in Chittagong on March 30, sources said.Earlier the BNP had sought permission to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on February 22 demanding the release of Khaleda Zia and another rally on November 8 to mark the national revolution and solidarity day but the authorities declined the party.The BNP leaders said they do not know whether they would be given permission this time as the ruling party had several rallies there.BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said they did not get permission yet to hold the party’s rally at Suhrawardy Udyan even in a week.Speaking at a youth rally at Jatiya Press Club, he alleged that the ruling Awami League is holding rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan but they were not given permission.“Holding rally is our constitutional rights, democratic, political and citizen rights but the government is depriving them from it,” he said.The BNP leader assured the authorities of holding peaceful programme at Suhrawardy Udyan and requested them to allow them to hold the rally there.BNP assistant office secretary Taiful Islam Tipu also confirmed that they are yet to get permission to hold the March 12 rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. Meanwhile, as part of the countrywide programme, the BNP will stage sit-in demonstration in front of the Jatiya Press Club from 11:00 am to 12:00pm demanding the release of party chairperson.The party also planned to hold rallies and city and district level in phases to press home their demand to release Khaleda on bail.
