BNP slams DMP ban on public gathering

BNP today denounced the ban imposed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on holding any public gathering in the capital on Thursday, calling it an unfair act in the name of law.

"The DMP ban on any type of procession and rally in the capital on Thursday is an unjustified action in the name of law. It's also a dangerous black order," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he also said the government will not be able to control people's anger through law and arms. "People will surely go to register their protest."

Amid the political tension over a court verdict to be delivered on Thursday in a graft case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, DMP on Tuesday imposed a ban on holding any procession and carrying sharp weapons, explosives, flammable materials in the capital on Thursday (Feb 8).

The ban will be effective from 4:00am and continue until further notice.

Asked whether their party will take to the streets despite the ban on Thursday, Rizvi said they will do everything in a democratic manner.

He criticised the government for what he said continuously arresting their party leaders and activists ahead of Thursday's verdict.

The BNP leader warned that the government cannot suppress people's protest by arresting their party men if any injustice is done to Khaleda.

He alleged that the law enforcers have arrested their party's over 1,200 leaders and activists over the last 10 days.

About the detention of their party's Dhaka south city unit president Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel reportedly by plainclothes police, Rizvi voiced concern as law enforcers are denying his arrest. "We still couldn't trace him. It's a matter of concern as police are saying they don't know about his arrest."

He urged the law enforcers to present Sohel before public immediately.

Earlier in the day, Rizvi claimed plainclothes police picked Sohel up from a Malibagh house early Tuesday.