DHAKA, 13 February, 2021 (TON): Police dispersed the BNP rally against the government’s decision to strip its founder Zia ur Rahman of his gallantry title, Bir Uttam.

The rally, jointly organized by the party's Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units, began in front of the National Press Club around 10 am on Saturday.

However, the program was marred by clashes after police charged baton to disperse the protesters towards the end of the meeting. The protesters retaliated by hurling brickbats at law enforcers.

The rally is the aftermath of government’s decision to revoke the gallantry title conferred on the late military ruler and wartime sector commander Zia for his involvement in the killing of Sheikh Mujib ur Rahman in fleeing the country.

Affected and agitated but the decision, the BNP announced to call protest rallies in every district on Saturday.

After the committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain finished his speech, police started moving in from the Kadam Fountain and directed speakers to end the program.

It is reported that more than 100 party leaders and activists were injured in the skirmish.