Left alliance slams police ban on Shaheed Minar rally, calls it attack on right to assembly

Ganatantrik Jukto Front has condemned a police order barring a citizens’ rally organised by the Rashtra Sanskar Andolan at the Central Shaheed Minar, accusing the government of restricting the right to peaceful assembly.

In a statement issued Saturday, the alliance said police had formally notified the organisers by letter that the rally could not be held.

The Front argued that holding a programme at the Central Shaheed Minar does not require police permission.

Organisers, it said, notify the Dhaka University proctor’s office for coordination to prevent scheduling conflicts with other programmes, while police may be informed to ensure security.

“The police do not have the authority to grant permission,” the statement said, adding that law enforcement agencies may provide advice or instructions on security grounds but cannot determine whether a gathering can take place.

The alliance accused the BNP government of using police to restrict meetings and rallies in a manner similar to the previous government.

It said such restrictions were contrary to the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising and undermined freedom of thought, democratic values and political expression.

The Front called on the government to end what it described as interference with freedom of speech, expression and peaceful assembly.

It also urged left-wing, progressive and democratic political parties, organisations and individuals to unite against restrictions on the right to hold meetings and express political views.

The statement was signed by Democratic United Front Central Coordinator and BASAD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, Communist Party of Bangladesh President Sajjad Zahir Chandan and General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan, Bangladesh JASAD President Sharif Nurul Ambia and General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan, among leaders of several other left-wing and progressive parties.

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