DHAKA: Police swung into action on leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while trying to stage a pre-scheduled rally at the auditorium of Institution of Engineers on Thursday.

Police halted the rally, which was scheduled to be held at the venue, in protest against killing, forced disappearance and kidnapping across the country.

Earlier in the morning, police obstructed the ongoing preparatory work of rally led-by BNP Secretary Member Abdus Salam and other senior leaders of the party.

The law enforcers also allegedly locked down the auditorium hall and put a barrier in the rally.

Officer-in-Charge of Shahbagh Thana Sirajul Islam said “No rally will be held here as they have no permission of the administration to hold the rally”.

BNP Secretary Member Abdus Salam claimed that the law enforcers obstructed in their peaceful rally.

Party chief Khaleda Zia, senior leaders of BNP, editors of several newspapers, civil society, among others, were expected to be present in the rally.

A large number of law enforcers were deployed in the area.

Refusing the allegations, Senior Assistant Police Superintendent of Shahbagh Zone Shibly Noman said that authorities of Engineers Institute had locked the auditorium, not the police.

Moreover, they voided the hall rent so BNP does not have any access to hold a rally there, he added.

Even though BNP did not seek permission from police to use mikes and hold a rally in the area, he further said.

BDST: 1435 HRS, MAY 22, 2014