AL, BNP asked to choose alternative rally venues for Oct 28

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have asked BNP and Awami League to propose names of two alternative venues. Two separate letters have been sent to the parties in this regard. 

Salahuddin Mia, officer-in-charge of Paltan Police Station, who signed the letters, said: "Police need alternative choises ragarding the rally venues so that we may make security arrangements accordingly."

"This does not mean that police is denying permission to the parties to hold their rallies at their first-choice venues. We need alternative names in case law enforcers are unable to give permission to hold their rallies in the capital's Nayapaltan and Baitul Mukarram areas respectively on security grounds," he added. Earlier on October 18, BNP said it would hold a rally in the capital on October 28 to press home its one-point demand -- resignation of the government and general election under a non-party caretaker administration. Awami League later announced a rally at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area on the same day.