The pre-arranged rally of the Bangladesh Krishak Samity at the Rangpur Public Library grounds for eight-point demands, including a fair share of the Teesta water, has come to a standstill due to police obstruction.
On Saturday (March 9) at noon, the farmers and activists of the Krishak Samity were thrown out of the rally by the police.
It is known that the Teesta Farmers' Rally scheduled by Bangladesh Krishak Samity was held at Rangpur Public Library from 11 am on Saturday. For this, the organizers completed all the preparations including setting up the banner on the public library's literature stage. From 10 am, Krishak Samity leaders and activists from different districts of the division started gathering at the public library ground. But at 11:30, the police first stopped the rally from hanging the banner. Mike was obstructed by the police not to speak.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RPMP) Kotwali Zone Assistant Police Commissioner Md. Arifuzzaman called the leaders including Central General Secretary of Bangladesh Krishak Samity Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan and ordered to stop the rally and vacate the ground as there was no written permission. Later they were kicked out from the field by the police.
Expressing anger at the incident, General Secretary of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Krishak Samity Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan told the journalists present, "Police says we do not have any written permission." We verbally informed the police administration yesterday (Friday). I have also informed the DC. In a democratic country, this is the rule, if any program is carried out, the police must be informed about it. We did that. It is not a movement to change the government, or anything else.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kotwali Zone) Md. Arifuzzaman in relation to not allowing the assembly said, I will not say anything clearly about this right now. It is being done in public interest. Actions are being taken as the instructions come.
Meanwhile, unable to hold a rally, the Krishak Samity came out and protested through the main road of the city till Shapla Chattar. Later the farmer leaders addressed the road meeting at Shapla Chattar.