BNP-Police at loggerheads

Ahead of the BNP rally, the leaders and activists of the party got into a clash with the police in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday. Leaders and activists were seen throwing brickbats at the police. The rally was called in protest of the proposal of late President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam title to be stripped off.

Though the rally was scheduled to start at 10 am on Saturday, the leaders and activists started coming to the rally site long ago. A large number of police officials were deployed to avoid any turmoil surrounding the rally. 

Meanwhile, the leaders and activists of BNP were in loggerheads with the police while trying to keep the traffic on the road in front of the press club normal. 

When the leaders and activists threw brickbats at the police, it turned into a violent clash. Later, when the tension stopped, the BNP started a rally.

At the beginning of the rally, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the decision to revoke the title of "Bir Uttam" in recognition of Ziaur Rahman's heroism was a failed attempt.

At the time, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, "Injuries should be prevented, police work should be done by the police, but the movement should continue. He called on the law enforcement agencies to be on the side of the people."

He said that we have to fight to overcome any obstacle in the way of achieving the goal.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said those involved in the assassination of Bangabandhu are in the vicinity of the Prime Minister. The government has rewarded them. For power, the Awami League chief has not even cared for Bangabandhu, said Gayeshwar Chandra.

He added that Ziaur Rahman got the title of Bir Uttam not by mere speeches but by fighting for the independence of the country. The BNP does not need to display Zia's title for support, the party is proud of his achievements, nevertheless.

The demonstration is scheduled to be held at the metropolitan level across the country, including Dhaka.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliates took part in the rally. The entire press club and the surrounding area have become heated with the processions and slogans of the leaders and workers.