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March 12 Rally

BNP returns AL gesture

Plans not to go for tougher programmes; gives talks a chance

Rakib Hasnet Suman
Amid growing indications of a possible understanding with the ruling Awami League on the issue of parliamentary polls under interim government, BNP is planning to move away from taking up tougher programmes following its March 12 grand rally in the capital.
The main opposition party might also join parliament session to press home its demands including the one for an interim government.
BNP had earlier threatened to go for a sit-in programme to continue the momentum of its antigovernment movement if the March 12 programme is obstructed.
Sources in the party high command told The Daily Star yesterday that since the possibility of reaching a compromise on the interim government issue is increasing, they (BNP) will not take up any tougher programmes that might lead to street violence and further intensify political tension.
The party will, however, continue its agitation to drum up public support to force the government to realise its demands.
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the party will watch the activities of the government. And its decision will depend on the government's attitude. “But we are yet to discuss any tougher programmes,” he added.
On Monday, AL decided not to counter the BNP's March 12 programme.
Tension had heightened as the two major parties earlier announced programmes and counterprogrammes for March 12. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at a huge rally in Chandpur on February 13 urged people to come to the capital with preparations for a "peaceful sit-in" if the March programme is obstructed.
Now BNP insiders say the party high-ups are not favouring programmes that could dent its image.
Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman, standing committee member of BNR said yesterday, “A possibility has been created to avoid chaos, and now it is the responsibility of the government to take the initiative. We will cooperate.”
He told this correspondent, “We will even go to parliament and will continue pressing for our demands in a peaceful way.”
Contacted, Tariqul Islam, another standing committee member, said, “A political consensus is a must for democracy. BNP will respond positively if the government takes initiative to ensure an acceptable election."