BNP staged demonstrations across the country after Jumma prayers on Friday protesting its Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and demanding her immediate release.
The BNP men brought out its protest procession in front of Baitul Mukarram mosque after Jumma prayers at 2pm the day.
Hundreds of leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were took part in demonstration in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan and other cities across the country protesting the jail sentence of Khaleda Zia.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, president of Swecchasebak Dal Shafiul Bari Babu and Juba Dal General Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku were leading the procession.
Huge number of law enforcers, including police and Rab, were seen following the BNP procession from behind.
In Dhaka, police dispersed participants in demonstration when they reached at Nightingale intersection near BNP’s Naya Paltan central office around 2:20 pm, reports UNB.
Police also detained four BNP activists from the area.
While talking to media, Shibli Noman, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Motijheel zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said “As the BNP men staged their demonstrations without creating any chaos, police did not take action. Rather we helped them to finish their demonstrations peacefully.”
“But law enforcers are prepared for taking action if agitators create any untoward situation,” he said.
When asked about detention of some BNP men, he said he has no information about any detention. “If detained they will be released after primary interrogation if evidences of sabotage attempt are not found against them.”
BNP on Thursday announced countrywide demonstrations protesting its chairperson Khaleda Zia’s conviction in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.
As part of their two-day demonstration programme, party leaders and activists brought the rally after Juma prayers.
Amid heightening tensions and various speculations, a special court here on Thursday convicted former prime minister Khaleda Zia and sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the much-talked-about Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.