GAZIPUR: The district administration on Friday granted no permission to both Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) to hold rallies on December 27 at Bhawal Badre Alam Government College ground.

The decision came after the district’s law and disciplinary committee held an internal-meeting in the Circuit House at 11:00am.

“We did not give permission to anyone for Saturday’s rallies,” Nurul Islam, deputy commissioner (DC) of Gazipur, told banglanews after the meeting.

The meeting was called following the prevailing situation as two rival political parties announced rallies at same venue and same time, he added.

He went on saying they were trying to make a negotiation between the rival sides.

The rally would be held, if the parties reached a consensus, he added.

On law and order situations, the DC said additional police forces have been deployed at strategic points of the district to protect people’s lives and properties.

Meanwhile, district superintendent of police (SP) Harunur Rashid warned of tough action, if anyone tries to hold rally without the authorities’ permission.

Rashid, who also attended the meeting, said they are giving top priority to Saturday’s rallies considering the country’s overall situation.

When asked, the SP told banglanews that as a part of regular drives, law enforcers have arrested some people since Thursday night, none was held ahead of the rallies.

High officials of local administration and law enforcing agencies were present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Awami League’s student wing Chhatra League separately called rallies on the college ground at the same time – 3:00pn on Saturday, raising tension across the country.

** Khaleda’s Gazipur rally denied permission

BDST: 1416 HRS, DEC 26, 2014