Tensions mount as Awami League, BNP gear up for duelling rallies

Tensions over potential conflicts or violence mount as two opposing parties of the country, Awami League and BNP, gear up for duelling rallies scheduled for Saturday in Dhaka.

Neither the BNP nor the Awami League has budged from their stance on the issue of the election-time government. The BNP remains adamant about its one-point demand of parliamentary elections under a neutral government. On the other hand, ruling Awami League holds firm stance on maintaining constitution over the issue.

The BNP has called the rally to kick off the 'final push' of their one-point campaign leading up to the ballot.  Despite awaiting police approval for the rally in Naya Paltan, the BNP remains undaunted by the Awami League's 'intimidation attempts' and police arrests of their loyalists, reports bdnews24.com.

Simultaneously, the Awami League has summoned a 'peace and development rally' at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque, with intentions of asserting control over the capital on the same day.

Parties aligned with the BNP's anti-government movement have also announced gatherings for Oct 28. Although the Jamaat-e-Islami has not officially allied itself with the BNP's movement against the government, it plans to hold a rally at the Shapla intersection in Motijheel.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan revealed that the Dhaka Metropolitan Police had not yet decided on granting permission to any political party for the rally. However, it is improbable that Jamaat will receive approval as it is not a registered political party.

To prevent violence around the gatherings of the two opposing camps, the police are ramping up security measures across the city. The Rapid Action Battalion has announced the establishment of checkpoints at the entrances of Dhaka in preparation for the rallies.

POLICE EFFORTS ‘FAIL’

The DMP wanted to move the parties from the streets to the field and sent letters to the Awami League and the BNP mentioning two different sites for their rallies. But both parties replied that their preparations were almost done and no changes could be made not.

The BNP confirmed the attendance of 100,000-125,000 people in their rally while the Awami League said 200,000 people would attend their rally. Police are yet to greenlight any of the rallies.

Mahid Uddin, DMP additional commissioner (crime), said: “We are looking at the replies to the letters we sent the two big parties positively. Let’s see what decision is made.”

“They are saying [they will hold rallies] in the streets. But we haven’t made any decision yet. We will tell you the details on Friday.”

Police said security would be heightened to stop any violence while the Rapid Action Battalion is stationing checkpoints at different entrances to Dhaka.

BNP ACTIVISTS TO GATHER IN ADVANCE

The BNP is still awaiting permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to organise its 'grand rally' at Naya Paltan. The party has expressed concerns about the mass arrests of activists in the lead-up to the rally.

The BNP leadership has indicated that party loyalists from all over the country, not just Dhaka, will participate in the rally. They plan to draw on past experiences to ensure a successful event, as they've encountered obstacles from the police before rallies.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the BNP, said that various committees, including those in Dhaka Metropolitan North and South, as well as neighbouring districts, have been formed to undertake comprehensive preparations for the event. They have also established a volunteer team to maintain order at the rally.

Rizvi assured that the mass gathering would be 'entirely peaceful'. He stressed that the government's threats, intimidation, legal cases, and arrests would not deter their resolve to 'reinstate democracy' in the country.

He pointed out that the government has been facing criticism and resistance across the country, with people rallying against misrule. In the ongoing democratic struggle, he remains confident that the people will prevail and establish their rights.

Rizvi also claimed that numerous leaders and activists were being arrested on 'trumped-up charges', with over 26,000 people accused in more than 400 'false cases' across the country, as of Oct 25. Out of these, 3,620 people have been arrested.

AWAMI LEAGUE PREPARED FOR 'CONFRONTATION'

In the face of the BNP's proposed rally, the ruling Awami League is actively implementing a plan to maintain vigilance throughout the capital to prevent any violence on Oct 28.

On that day, the Awami League will maintain a 'robust presence' on the streets of Dhaka, according to party leaders.

Central and metropolitan leaders of the party have said that members of all affiliated organisations, including Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Krishak League, are making thorough preparations.

Awami League adherents will be stationed at key locations in the capital, and pavilions will be set up at important junctures. Party lawmakers and councilors will also be on the ground with their followers.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the ruling party is determined not to allow any instability around the event, emphasising their intention to respond to any attack with countermeasures.

AFM Bahauddin Nasim, joint general secretary of the Awami League, said party leaders and activists would remain vigilant until the elections to maintain peace and order in the country.

Jahangir Kabir Nanak, presidium member of the Awami League, emphasised their readiness to deal with any potential threats to safeguard the lives and property of the people. They are fully prepared to respond strongly to any attempt to incite fear.

Tanvir Hasan Saikat, general secretary of the Dhaka University Chhatra League, said members of the organisation will station themselves at the TSC and Shahbagh to prevent any disruptive activities on the campus.