Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Saturday said no official permission has been given to BNP yet to hold their rally in Dhaka’s Paltan area.
He said this in response to a journalist’s question after inaugurating the 2nd Sheikh Kamal SAARC Snooker Championship in the capital.
“As big rallies cannot be held anywhere else except Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, the government decided to give BNP permission for that venue,” he added.
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The home minister said BNP requested for Suhrawardy Udyan along with two other venues themselves and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner also found it to be suitable.
“There are some Awami League programmes scheduled to be held there, after that BNP will be able to hold their rally,” said Asaduzzaman.
When asked about BNP’s remark that the government will be forced to allow their rally in Paltan, he said the government has no obligation.
“Government permits only where suitable. No official permission has been granted to them yet to hold a rally at Nayapaltan area,” he added.
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When questioned whether BNP can hold the rally anywhere else, the home minister said, “Where else can such a huge gathering be held? BNP requested for the venue in front of Parliament, but none is allowed to hold a rally there.”