The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Pro-Khaleda BNP Tuesday alleged police took away 55 pots of cooked food and 300 packets rice from Mirpur, Pallabi, Kafrul and Siddheswari in the capital foiling their feeding-of-the-poor program undertaken in view of the prevailing dearth.

A BNP release said police took away 20 'patils' of cooked food from Shah Ali Mazar gate in Mirpur, 20 patils from Kafrul, 15 patils from Pallabi and 300 packets of rice from Siddheswari Balurmath. Police also took away cooked food from Hazaribagh Tannery crossing.

The release further alleged that BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain, who was at Kafrul to distribute food, was "threatened over telephone" from an undisclosed place.

Shah Ali Thana OC Monir Hossain said police did not allow the distribution of food since there was no permission about it, as such outdoor activities are restricted under the emergency rules.

Delwar told reporters "inhuman behaviour of the government has come to such a pass that it cannot give food to the poor on the one hand and on the other we are not allowed to distribute food."