May be forced to ban political rallies if those cause public suffering: DMP boss

DMP Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruk on Wednesday urged the political parties to hold their programmes without causing public suffering as they may be forced to ban political rallies in future if those become reasons of people’s woes.

A total of nine political parties including Awami League and BNP have sent letters to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) seeking permission to hold rallies in the capital on July 27 but few parties will be allowed, said the DMP chief.

“To hold political rallies is a democratic right of the political parties but it is the responsibility of the DMP to ensure the security of the people,” he said while talking to reporters after inspecting the overall security measures on the occasion of Holy Ashura over the Tajia procession.

He also urged the political parties to plan their programmes on weekly holidays in future instead of working days considering the public suffering.

Besides, carrying of sticks and bags in the rallies will be prohibited, he said.

Referring to the Tajia procession, the DMP chief said police have been giving importance to security during Tajia procession since the 2015 explosion at a Tajia procession.

The Imambara Hoseni Dalan area will be brought under CCTV surveillance and alongside the law enforcement agencies, plainclothes police will be deployed in the area to ensure foolproof security.

Besides, dog squad will be active in the area so that no untoward incident can happen, he said.