BNP accuses govt of mass arrests in name of arresting militants before rally in Dhaka

Dhaka, Dec 6 (Bureau) Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a major opposition in Bangladesh Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is claiming that 1031 leaders and activists have been arrested in four days from December 30th to December 4th noon ahead of the BNP’s divisional mass meeting on December 10th in Dhaka.At a press conference at the party office in Nayapaltan, he said the police are conducting block raids on messes, residential hotels and homes citing a case of militant robbery in the Dhaka District Court. He alleged that BNP leaders and workers are being arrested, harassed and creating fear in the name of operation to catch militants.Regarding the arrest, the police say that there is no connection with the BNP’s Dhaka rally. They say this claim of BNP is completely baseless. Dhaka Metropolitan Police launched a special operation from December 1 to December 15.Even though questions were raised about this operation just before the BNP rally, DMP spokesperson Mohammad Farooq Hossain said this operation is being conducted on the orders of the DMP headquarters to prevent any sabotage on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Victory Day on December 16.He said this special operation is a part of the regular operation of DMP and the police conduct operation to nab the accused in pending cases under it.Farooq Hossain said, “This special operation aims to arrest those who are professional criminals, keep illegal weapons, and deal in drugs. Those against whom there is a case, there is a warrant are being arrested. Not to anyone else.”

“There will be various events across the country in view of the Great Victory Day. This campaign is to ensure that there is no sabotage anywhere.”Six days are left for BNP’s rally, but the venue is yet to be finalised. The government has given permission for gatherings at Suhrawardy Udyan. On the other hand, BNP leaders are still talking about Nayapaltan as a rallying ground. At a press conference, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said apart from Suhrawardy Udyan and Turag Tir, they would consider any other alternative venue in Dhaka. However, Mirza Alamgir said the party is still adamant about holding a rally in front of the party’s central office in Nayapaltan. He claimed that assembly at any place is a democratic and constitutional right.However, when the BNP leaders met the BNP commissioner today, they were told to find an alternative venue, said DMP spokesperson Mohammad Farooq Hossain. He said, “DMP has asked BNP to find an alternative venue. BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Motijheel Deputy Commissioner of Police will visit Arambagh, Paltan, Suhrawardy Udyan.” However, DMP expects BNP to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.He also said the DMP has assured to provide all kinds of security to prevent the violence that BNP fears in Suhrawardy Udyan.Mr. Hossain said, “BNP fears that any other political party may create trouble if they hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. We have been assured that since the DMP has given permission, they will provide all possible assistance to ensure the success and security of the rally.”