DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia disappointed hundreds of supporters of BNP-led 20-party alliance as she did not attend the rally due to her illness.

They gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan in city on Tuesday ignoring the heavy downpour at the rally protesting newly formulated national broadcast policy.

It was widely speculated that Khaleda could not make her way amid downpour. Even, she did not send any notice to the party leaders and activists in this regard.

Dhaka City BNP convener Mirza Abbas presided over the rally where BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and top leaders of the alliance were present.

BNP chief Khaleda was scheduled to address the rally as chief guest around 4:00pm. Finally, she did not attend the rally.

This manner of BNP chief put an impact on the mind of the root-level party people.

Supporters, who came to join the rally, were disappointed for her absence.

Many were seen showing grievance about the incident.

Khaleda’s absence also embarrassed media as they were waiting for so long to cover her speech.

The party activists were seen leaving the place unhappily.

BDST: 1945 HRS, AUG 19, 2014