Photo: Daily Messenger
The ruling Awami League and the opposition party, BNP, have once again scheduled rallies in close proximity, marking the largest gathering of the two parties since the October 28 clash. Awami League has asserted that if BNP attempts any acts of sabotage on the 25th, law enforcement agencies will intervene to maintain order while ensuring the safety of citizens. In response, BNP has criticised Awami League's decision to announce the program just a day after, labeling it as politically unethical. They accuse the government of attempting to disrupt their activities. The abrupt scheduling of events, especially on the eve of Eid, has sparked concerns among the country's business community.
The Awami League, now in power for the fourth consecutive term, is making extensive efforts to maintain its stronghold. It is employing various strategies to keep the political arena active and secure its position. Meanwhile, BNP, which has been out of power for an extended period, is striving to reconnect with the people and present itself as a viable alternative. The party has initiated a public boycott of Indian goods to garner sympathy from citizens, protesting against the rising prices of goods. The 12-party alliance, backed by BNP, also showed solidarity recently.
Amidst tension over commodity prices and the boycott of Indian products, both Awami League and BNP have announced new rallies in Dhaka. This development is expected to escalate pressure on law enforcement agencies in the capital, particularly as it coincides with efforts to ensure the safety of buyers ahead of Eid.
Tension persists regarding the granting of permissions for upcoming rallies, with letters circulating indicating consent from both parties. However, there has been no official statement from the police regarding this matter. Experts in the field suggest that the announcement of counter-programmes ahead of Eid may exacerbate political tensions. Counter-programming is viewed as a manifestation of political bankruptcy and a departure from constructive political culture. Calls are being made to abandon this practice and embrace more inclusive and collaborative approaches to political discourse.
It has been reported that the Awami League has announced a rally in Dhaka on March 25, marking Genocide Day. The rally, organised by the Metropolitan North and South, is set to take place at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader made this announcement on Friday.
In a separate event, BNP had earlier announced a freedom fighter rally in Dhaka. BNP Publicity Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated in a press conference at the party's chairperson's office in Gulshan on Thursday afternoon that they will hold a freedom fighter rally in the capital on March 25. BNP freedom fighters from all over the country are expected to gather in Dhaka on that day. It was also mentioned that an application has been submitted to the DMP for permission to hold the rally.
When questioned about the upcoming events, Advocate Afzal Hossain, the organising secretary of Awami League, conveyed to Daily Messenger that if BNP intends to instigate any form of sabotage under the guise of their program on the 25th, law enforcement agencies will certainly intervene. Additionally, Afzal Hossain asserted that Awami League will also mobilise to ensure the safety of the people on that day, as they have announced a rally in Dhaka to commemorate Genocide Day.
Regarding BNP's recent actions, Hossain expressed a dismissive attitude, stating that BNP's decision to abstain from the recent elections amounted to a final defeat. He indicated that Awami League no longer perceives BNP as a significant political threat. However, he emphasised that any attempts at subversion by the party would not be viewed as political maneuvering but rather as extremism, and Awami League, alongside the people, would take steps to counter it.
Hossain further commented on BNP's association with Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that BNP has forfeited its right to hold rallies on occasions such as Independence Day due to its alignment with Jamaat-e-Islami, a party that opposed the country's liberation. He concluded by asserting that Jamaat's continued affiliation with BNP undermines the latter's legitimacy to commemorate national events.
Advisor to BNP Chairperson Zainul Abdin Farroque conveyed to Daily Messenger that Awami League's decision to announce a program just a day after BNP's announcement reflects political immorality. He criticised the practice of one political party issuing a counter-program in response to another party's event, viewing it as unethical. Farroque emphasised BNP's intention to peacefully hold their program on March 25, with freedom fighters from across the country gathering in Dhaka for the occasion.
He further warned that if Awami League attempts to create unrest or provoke conflict, they will be held responsible for any consequences.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of SHUJAN: Citizens for Good Governance, expressed to Daily Messenger that the practice of one political party issuing a program immediately after another party's announcement should cease. He characterised these counter-programs as indicators of political bankruptcy, emphasising that the people of the country are currently enduring challenging times. Majumdar stressed the importance of political policymakers prioritising the well-being of the citizens and considering how to improve their living conditions.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity for law enforcement agencies to closely monitor the situation leading up to Eid, particularly to prevent any panic among the populace resulting from the counter-program.
Messenger/Sumon
