"Police have started attacking and harassing our leaders and activists in Khulna city ahead of our rally there on February 27. They’re also dillydallying over giving permission for the rally,” said party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also alleged that law enforcers keep carrying out ‘repressive acts’ in Khulna to foil a democratic programme like a public rally. “I condemn such an attitude of the police.”
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The BNP leader said a delegation of their party, led by its organising secretary Nazrul Islam Manju, had several meetings with the police authorities to get permission for the rally. “But police authorities are not making it clear whether the permission will be given or not.”
He alleged that the law enforcers have launched a drive at different wards and localities of Khulna city to arrest and harass BNP leaders and workers.
Rizvi said police have already arrested many leaders and activists of their party and its associate bodies, including Juba Dal leaders Sumon, Sirajul Islam, Alauddin, Khairuzzaman Tuku, Harun Mollah, BNP leaders Shahjahan Sheikh, Zahidul Islam, Tanti Dal leader Masum, and Chhatra Dal leaders Shamim Ashraf, Asaduzzaman Asad and Babul.
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He demanded the unconditional and immediate release of those of their part men arrested from Khulna city.
Earlier on February 5, BNP’s defeated mayoral candidates of different cities at a press conference announced to hold rallies in six city corporation areas, including Khulna, demanding fair and credible elections.
At the press conference, Rizvi described the day of the Pilkhana carnage on February 25 as a "black chapter" for the nation.
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He demanded the government announce February 25 a national mourning day.
Rizvi said their party, if it returns to power, will take initiatives for the retrial of the incident through credible investigations into the brutal carnage. “The masterminds behind the incident won’t be spared.”