DHAKA: BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) has called demonstrations across the country for Saturday as the government did not give permission to the party to stage black flag processions in the city.

Acting secretary general of the party Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the announcement in a press conference in the city on Wednesday evening.

Fakhrul alleged that the government obstructed their peaceful procession with black flag in city, tortured party’s leaders and activists and deployed water canons at the Naya Paltan office.

He added: “We directed party men to arrange processions at every ward to avoid conflict but fire was opened on them also.”

The senior BNP leader also criticised Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu for his forming of Ganabahini against the rule of Sheikh Mujib in the early 70’s.

BDST: 2120 HRS, JAN 29, 2014