Police intervention at political meeting

We are extremely disturbed by the police interference at an informal political meeting on July 13, called by Jatya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob. There is no logical explanation why a police sub inspector would go to the JSD president's residence where the meeting was taking place two times in the evening and ask him first, to not have the meeting and then tell him to wrap up the meeting quickly. This incident begs the question: Why did the police intervene in a meeting that as far as we know, does not violate any law? The meeting was attended by members of legitimate political parties, none of them from any banned organisations. Then why this kind of intimidation?

The way the police behaved makes us wonder: Are we under an emergency or military rule? What happened to our fundamental political rights, one of which is to be able to assemble and hold meetings? The meeting in question was being held at someone's residence and there was nothing illegal about it so why the need for such highhanded behaviour from the police?

It is worrying to note that such intimidation tactics have been employed regularly against opposition parties especially the BNP which has been refused permission to hold rallies innumerable times. There have even been random raids and closures of the BNP Chairperson's office. These are ominous signs for our struggling democracy and clearly contradict the basic tenets of our constitution. The police must come out with a public explanation, especially as to who ordered the police action on July 13 and under what law since the police in question claimed to have had 'orders from above'.

Is it an early indication of what is to come before the elections?

We hope Thursday's incident will not be repeated at other such meetings of political parties. A democracy is based on the pluralism of ideas and thoughts and the protection of fundamental rights. There is no justification for any government action that impinges on the right of political parties to hold meetings.