State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has skirted questions over permission for the BNP to hold a rally in Dhaka, saying police will take a call.He faced a barrage of questions from reporters after a meeting on the preparation of Biswa Ijtema at Gazipur on Saturday. Political mercury in Bangladesh has soared after both the BNP and Awami League decided to hit the streets on Jan 5, the first anniversary of the general elections held last year.The BNP says it will go ahead with its planned rally regardless of permission while the ruling party will celebrate the day by holding rallies.Asked whether the BNP will get the permission, Khan said, “It’s a matter concerning the police. The DMP (Dhaka Metropolitan Police) commissioner knows who will get permission to hold rally and who will not.”It’s for him to decide.”Earlier in the day, BNP leaders failed to meet DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed at his Bailey Road office to apply for the rally a second time.They were told that Benazir was busy preparing for the Ijtema. Regarding the BNP rally, Kamal said, “It’s their political decision. It’s not our concern what they will do.””We have only one thing to say – we’ll take steps against anyone who will try to break law. We’ll resist any attempt to indulge in violence,” he said.The state minister also hinted that the government would not bar any peaceful programme.
