A complex situation has arisen regarding the venue for the concluding rally of the upcoming Dhaka-Khulna-Kushtia long march. While the district administration has granted conditional permission to hold the rally at the Shahid Abrar Fahad Stadium, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its firm stance to hold the gathering at the Zila School ground as announced earlier. The permission letter, outlining eight specific conditions, was issued by the district administration on Monday evening, signed by Assistant Commissioner Zakiul Alam.
According to district administration sources, Kushtia district Jamaat Secretary Enamul Haque formally applied for the allocation of the Shahid Abrar Fahad Stadium on October 13 to host the final rally. Following a clearance report and recommendations from the Superintendent of Police, the administration decided to allocate the venue with conditions. The permission letter emphasizes maintaining law and order, avoiding provocative statements, refraining from hurting religious sentiments, and strictly confining the event to the designated stadium premises.
However, shortly after the news of the permission surfaced, district Jamaat Secretary Enamul Haque issued a press statement late at night, declaring their position crystal clear. The statement asserted that, in accordance with the pre-announced schedule, the concluding rally of the long march will be held at the Kushtia Zila School ground on October 31. Prior to this, discussions and complexities regarding venue selection had been ongoing between the administration and the organizers.
This differing stance between the local administration and the political party has generated cautious anticipation among local residents and observers. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. The administration has reiterated that any violation of the imposed conditions or attempts to disrupt public order will hold the organizing committee fully accountable.
Political analysts opine that mutual understanding and cooperation between local administrations and political entities are vital for peaceful public gatherings. As the date for the long march approaches, all eyes remain fixed on Kushtia to see whether the administration and Jamaat reach a consensus or if the standoff over the venue persists.
