DHAKA: The administration imposed an indefinite ban on street rallies and processions in the capital without prior permission, incidentally, a day before opposition BNP stages demonstrations under a two-day protest programme.
 
“This order takes effect from Monday and lasts until further order,” says a notification signed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque.

It said the measure has been taken as part of DMP’s initiatives for easing public sufferings caused by traffic congestion during Ramadan.

Mass-gatherings, including rally, procession and demonstration, make the traffic jams in the city more severe, the metropolitan police said, adding: “The decision has also been taken to ensure public security”.

Earlier on Sunday, opposition BNP announced nationwide demonstrations for August 26 in protest against the filing of “false” cases against party leader Tarique Rahman and cancellation of parole for his younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko.

Under the latest major action programme, they will also stage demonstrations in district headquarters on August 24 (Tuesday).

BDST: 1528HRS AUG 23, 2010