As the political ambiance heats up, citizens endure severe traffic jams, transportation shortage and noise pollution, raising concerns about the impact of these rallies on their lives and daily commutes.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandoker Golam Faruq has urged political parties to organize their rallies without causing public inconvenience on Wednesday. Addressing the media following an inspection of security measures at the Hossaini Dalan Imambara in Lalbagh, he said, “We will issue permission to rallies of several political parties after assessing the situation and discussion with other police officials. Holding political rallies is a democratic right for those who obtain permission. But it is the DMP’s duty to ensure the safety of common people. I would request them [political parties] to not cause trouble to the people.”
DMP chief asks to hold rallies on weekends to alleviate public sufferings
The commissioner issued a warning that future prohibitions on these meetings may be considered in light of the welfare of citizens. In addition, he suggested that political parties schedule their events on weekends rather than conducting large political showdowns that bring the city to a standstill.
“I will tell all political parties to hold rallies without causing sufferings to people. Maybe, the time will come in the future when people will get fed up and we may be forced to ban these programs,” the DMP official said.
Golam Faruq also noted that carrying sticks and bags during assemblies would not be allowed, as there could be potential risks, including the presence of explosives.
Nine political parties, including the ruling Awami League and the BNP, have applied for the DMP’s permission to hold rallies.
The DMP chief said, “Careful review and discussion with the officials will determine which groups can be allowed to hold their rallies.”
Uncertainty surrounding rallies to increase
In the meantime, the political climate in the country is once again heating up, as multiple parties have scheduled events in the capital for the same day. Jubo League, the youth wing of AL, announced a counter-rally in response to the BNP’s announcement of a “grand” rally in the capital on July 27 (Thursday) to urge their demand for the government’s resignation. In addition to the BNP, 37 similar parties, including the Gonotontro Moncho, 12-party alliance, Nationalist Alliance, Gono Odhikar Porishad (Reza Kibria), LDP, Gono Forum, and Democratic Left Unity Alliance, have decided to conduct separate rallies on the same day in Dhaka.
“There will be no elections without a non-partisan government and the issue will be settled on the streets,”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said yesterday
Party insiders reveal that the BNP is contemplating issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the current government’s resignation during the rally scheduled for tomorrow. According to opposition sources, if the government fails to comply with the ultimatum, the opposition leaders are prepared to initiate anti-government activities on 30 July. These activities may include rallies, demonstrations, and sit-ins.
Furthermore, if the opposition’s movement gains momentum with a substantial number of activists, the BNP allegedly plans to escalate their protests and lay siege to key locations, including the Secretariat, Election Commission, and the Prime Minister’s office. The opposition’s intentions indicate a potential escalation in their demands and raise concerns about the possibility of heightened political tensions in the coming days.
In a recent review of the election process in Bangladesh, foreign delegates from the United Kingdom and the United States explicitly stated that the country does not require a caretaker government before national elections. The delegates emphasized that elections would be conducted in accordance with the constitution. However, despite this clear stance, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remains unyielding in its demand for a caretaker government and continues to call for rallies and showdowns.
Police advice BNP to hold rally at Golapbagh considering public suffering
Police has offered the new venue, Golapbagh ground, to BNP for their upcoming rally to be held tomorrow. This decision comes after the last rallies of BNP created chaos in the city, causing tremendous public suffering and DMP commissioner’s emphasis on rallies not causing suffering to the public.
DMP commissioner Khandaker GolamFaruq mentioned that they advised BNP to consider the well-being of the public while choosing the venue. Previously, when BNP wanted to hold a rally in front of their party office at Naya Paltan, the police had directed them to Golapbagh ground. With the recent announcement of Naya Paltan or Suhrawardy Udyan as the desired locations, the police have once again recommended Golapbagh ground due to its route suitability and the area being 4.52 acres. BNP has not yet responded officially, but a press briefing later in the afternoon might reveal their decision.
Citizens suffer from heated political environment
While the BNP continues to hold rallies demanding the government’s resignation and vowing to lay siege to various government offices, the absence of a considerable agenda for these rallies is troubling. The lack of a clear strategy or roadmap raises concerns about the stability and harmony of the country.
As the political atmosphere escalates with BNP announcing rallies with no real agenda and constant claim of caretaker govt., the public bears the brunt of disruptions. The frequent gatherings lead to prolonged traffic jams, as police stop vehicular movement through major roads and crossings to facilitate processions. Citizens spend hours stuck in traffic, causing frustration and inconvenience to their daily routines. Transportation becomes scarce and fares get costly amid all these instabilities.
Additionally, the use of loud music and public announcement systems during political rallies contributes to noise pollution, further irritating residents and commuters.
As the public suffers the consequences of these rallies, the DMP’s warning about potential future bans on gatherings underscores the growing urgency to address this issue. The disruption caused by these political programs is affecting citizens’ quality of life, and the authorities need to find a solution that ensures democratic rights while also prioritizing the welfare of the public. The DMP’s warning about potential future bans on gatherings highlights the growing urgency to address this issue.
