Sangsad Bhaban: Minister for Home Affairs Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir today said the government has no intention to ban meeting-rally in the capital if the opposition gives assurance of playing a responsible role under the existing law.

While making a statement under the Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure, the homer minister made it clear that the government is committed to running the country as per the constitution and it would not tolerate any destructive activities by any party or group because it is the government's duty to ensure security of lives and property of the people.

Rejecting the speech given by Barrister Moudud Ahmed on a point of order on June 3, the home minister said the opposition lawmaker's speech is baseless, imaginary and politically motivated.

He said the Article 37 of the constitution ensures the right to holding meeting peacefully. This constitutional right is still there as it was in the past and it will remain in future, he added.

The home minister said recently BNP, Chhatra Dal and Jamaat- Shibir were holding meetings-rallies in the city carrying sticks and firearms that were affecting the security of lives and property of the people. Besides, Hefazat-e-Islam with support of BNP-Jamaat-Shibir looted shops and set ablaze properties, attacked political party office, burnt the holy Koran and created a anarchic situation in the capital's busiest Motijheel area, the home minister added.

He said such activities are a violation of the constitution and as a result the decision was announced not to allow meetings- rallies in Dhaka for next one month on the basis of the opinion of different quarters.

He said when Barrister Moudud Ahmed was in charge of the law ministry, hundreds of innocent people were killed in the name of operation clean heart. Even, he ( the home minister) was arrested and tortured without any offense, the MK Alamgir said.

Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir hoped that the opposition would refrain from violation of the constitution.

Ends/AMA/05/06/13