Online Desk: Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that the government will have no objection if the BNP wants to hold its December 10 rally in Dhaka peacefully.

“If the BNP wants to hold rally, it must arrange it at the designated place proposed by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner. They can tell the police commissioner about the Kalshi ground or other alternative venues. We will offer them all-out cooperation in holding their rally in a peaceful way,” he said while visiting the injured police personnel at the Central Police Hospital at Rajarbagh in Dhaka on Thursday (December 8).

“We always talk about peaceful programmes. You hold meetings and bring out processions. We have no objection. But, the law enforcing agencies will not remain silent if they resort to vandalism and chaos,” he said.

The Home Minister’s remarks came a day after a clash between the police and BNP activists that left a BNP activist dead and scores of others, including cops, injured. The clash occurred over occupying the road in front of BNP central office.

BNP is insisting to hold their rally in front of BNP central office at Nayapaltan while the ruling Awami League leaders and the DMP have been insisting to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan area in Dhaka.

Kamal said that the law and order situation was under the total control of the government.

Regarding the Wednesday’s clash at Nayapaltan, the Home Minister said the BNP activists were very violent against police. They hurled brickbats. Dozens of policemen were injured and they were admitted to the Central Police Hospital.

He said BNP held rallies in different divisions and districts of the country. “They told people in detail whatever they wanted to say. Now, the venue they have chosen in Dhaka is not enough to hold their rally. Because of it, they were asked to think alternative.

Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, DMP Commissioner Khondker Golam Faruque, senior police officials were present.