The High Court yesterday questioned the legality of the rules that allow the police to prohibit assemblies and processions in Dhaka.

The ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance will hold mass rally this month across the country in protest against the prevailing killings and militant activities.

The BNP is now concentrating on “positive politics” with nonviolent programmes like rallies, discussions, and human chains to compel the government to initiate talks with all political parties for an immediate national election.

The ruling Awami League yesterday said it would hold programmes in the capital on January 5 to observe the second anniversary of the 10th parliamentary election, hours after the BNP announced it would hold a protest rally in Dhaka the same day.