Several high-level leaders of the party have said that there are two primary goals behind maintaining a ‘peaceful’ stance at future events, including the grand rally.
The first aim is to clarify the role of the government, including the police and administration, if they choose to take action against the rally. Additionally, BNP policymakers expect quick and effective intervention from the democratic world should violence arise around the event.
On 18 October, BNP announced a grand rally in Dhaka on 28 October during a rally in Nayapaltan. Two days later, on 20 October, the Awami League also announced a rally at the southern gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram on the same day. Awami League has been opposing the programs of BNP since last December.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, while replying to the media at the Secretariat on Wednesday, said that no rally will be allowed under the banner of Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner will determine where the BNP will be allowed to hold its rally in Dhaka. The minister said that if BNP conducts its rally peacefully, the commissioner will definitely give them permission.
*more to follow…