Awami League to a great extent has moved away from its aggressive stance concerning BNP’s grand rally to be held today, Saturday. However, it will remain on vigil with large numbers of its men on the streets to ensure that BNP cannot create any situation that can being Dhaka to a standstill. That is why the Awami League leaders are giving emphasis on ensuring a large gathering at their rally.
Awami League’s rally today, Saturday, is to be held at the south gate of the national mosque Baitul Mukarram. The party leaders say that for strategic reasons the rally will start a little earlier than announced. This has been planned so that the party leaders and activists are on the streets from the morning. And their rally will end after the BNP rally so that they can announce their next programme after BNP’s next programme is announced.
BNP’s grand rally is being held in Naya Paltan. Jamaat-e-Islami announced that it will hold a rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel. The police, though, on Friday night said that Jamaat hasn’t been given permission for its rally. Awami League leaders say they are planning to keep Motijheel under their surveillance too.
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader held a press briefing at the party’s central office at Bangabandhu Avenue on Friday afternoon. The aggressive statements of driving BNP from the streets which had been heard over the past few days, were not voiced at Friday’s press briefing.
Speaking at the press briefing, Obaidul Quader addressed the party leaders and workers, saying, “You must remain in constant vigil. They (BNP) have ulterior motives. They have evil designs along with a couple of communal parties. Once the meeting is over, don’t just disperse. Keep your eyes open tomorrow (Saturday). Action will be taken as required.”
Awami League sources say that the aggressive attitude they had displayed so far has basically been to instill fear among the BNP activists and supporters so that the fathering would not be large. Even today on the day of the rally Awami League and the law enforcement will try their best to prevent a large gathering. Meanwhile, Awami League leaders of Dhaka and adjacent areas have been directed to bring in as many people as possible.
Awami League sources say that the party had fears on two counts. One was, BNP will amass huge crowds and stage a sit-in on the streets, bringing the city to a halt. Two, 28 October is a sensitive day on Bangladesh’s political history as on this day in 2006 Awami League has shaken the BNP-Jamaat four-party coalition government. From that day onwards the day was called the ‘movement of oars and poles’ (logi-boitha andolan) day. BNP and Jamaat choosing that particular day for the separate rallies had Awami League worried. That is why it is placing all importance on keeping its leaders and activists active, ensuring a massive gathering and also on the law enforcement taking all-out preparation.
Party sources say, all these days Awami League’s rallies had been in the afternoon, but today they will start with a cultural programme at 11:00 on the morning. The party men have been instructed to arrive at the rally venue by 1:00 in the afternoon. They have been told that they may have to remain there till night, if necessary.
Sources of Dhaka city north and south Awami League have said that instructions have been given for the leaders and activists to gather at their respective wards by 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning. The aim is to keep watch on whether BNP processions are going along the streets or not. BNP has been repeatedly saying that the general masses will be joining the movement. That is why Awami League men will be on the streets from the morning.
Speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, two leaders of Dhaka city north and south Awami League said they will not go to the rally leaving their areas absolutely vacated. They will keep watch on BNP’s processions and the activities of the BNP men. They will threaten them, if necessary.
Awami League rally’s stage will be the south gate of Baitul Mukarram. But this will spread out to Paltan GPO, Paltan intersection and the road in front of the secretariat, according to the letter they gave the police. They also mentioned extending to Golap Shah mazar, the road in front of Nagar Bhaban and Nawabpur Road. On the other side, they will also extend their gathering past the stadium to Dainik Bangla intersection and the Motijheel Road. They are reaching up till Motijheel in order to keep watch on the Jamaat rally.
Awami League’s organizing secretary in charge of Dhaka, Mirza Azam, told Prothom Alo that Awami League will hold its largest rally ever today. They will remain on vigilant watch till BNP’s rally is over.