No way to allow Jamaat rally at Shapla Chattar: DMP

Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Biplob Kumar Sarkar has said that there is no way to allow Jamaat-e-Islami to hold a rally at Shapla Chattar in the city on October 28.

"Zero tolerance for rally by Jamaat-e-Islami. They won't be allowed to hold meetings in Dhaka city. To curb public sufferings, the DMP has requested Awami League and BNP to look for alternative places for their public meetings instead of on the streets," he told journalists at his office on Thursday.

Biplob said the DMP has told those who announced programmes of gatherings in Dhaka city to hold rallies in open places rather than on roads.

"It can be an open space or a field. Dhaka is a mega city. If thousands of people congregate here, then two and a half crore city dwellers face problems, those who are sick face difficulties to go to hospital or doctor," he added.

Considering the ease of movement of city dwellers, the DMP joint commissioner suggested political parties hold their rallies in other places.

"They (Political party) will take decisions where they will hold meetings. Let them decide that," he said.

Biplob Kumar Sarkar, however, said that similar letters were given to Awami League and BNP, adding, "Till now, no other decision was made. So far, political parties have not announced any decision to hold rallies elsewhere. We hope that political parties will take a decision considering the sufferings of the city dwellers."

About the BNP secretary general's remarks, he said that political leaders often say many things to strengthen their workers.

"If you want to hold a rally in Dhaka city, you have to take DMP commissioner's permission according to the ordinance. It is a legal obligation. If anyone does not do that, it will be a violation of the law. So, we hope that political parties will decide to show respect for the law and cooperate with the police," he added.

/KN/