BNP politics confined to party office

Political activities of BNP in Chattogram have remained restricted to its city office and adjoining areas for more than five years, as the government is reportedly not allowing them to hold programmes at any other venue.

“The last rally we held was at Polo Ground in 2012. We have applied to the authorities concerned numerous times for allowing us to hold gatherings in the city, but to no avail,” Dr Shahadat Hossain, BNP city unit president, told The Daily Star.

“On Saturday, we sought permission from Chattogram Metropolitan Police to hold a rally at Laldighi Maidan on Thursday. We were denied once again,” he said. “We have announced the gathering, demanding release of our Chairperson Khaleda Zia…”

As the administration was not allowing them to hold any programme at larger venues, they were forced to organise events at its office (Nasiman Bhaban) premises on Noor Ahmed Road in Kazir Dewri area for a long time, said party leaders.

“Since assuming office, the government has not only barred us from holding rallies at different venues, they have also filed several hundred false and fabricated cases against our party workers,” said Shahadat Hossain.

According to party leaders, at least 100 cases had been lodged with each of the port city's 15 police stations against more than 4,000 BNP leaders and activists in the past few months.

“I am facing 46 cases and had to spend one and a half months in prison after being arrested on February 8,” said the BNP city unit president. “Many party members could not even stay in their houses due to police raids,” he alleged.

Abul Hashem Bakkar, secretary general of BNP's city unit, said, “I'm facing 25 cases and was arrested twice in the last five years. He said ward and thana unit leaders and activists are in a more miserable condition.

“Before our party events, police raid residences of party members and arrest who ever they find,” he alleged.

Contacted, Abdullah Al Noman, vice chairman of BNP, said though the government repeatedly rejected their requests to hold rallies, they are being patient as they do not want any confrontation.

He said the government was not only violating their rights to hold peaceful programmes, but also implicating their leaders and activists in “false” cases.

“They [the government] are filing so many cases against us that many of our party activists don't even know whether he or she is an accused,” he added.

Noman said, “At present, we are focusing on creating a congenial atmosphere where people will be able to cast their vote and return home safely.” It is the duty of the government and the Election Commission to ensure such an atmosphere, he stressed.

“If a polls-time supportive government is formed, we will discuss as to how these false cases against our party members can be withdrawn,” he added.

Contacted, Amena Begum, additional commissioner (crime and operations) of CMP, said, “We did not give them [BNP] permission to hold rallies considering security concerns.”

She did not elaborate any further.