Preventing BNP meeting uncalled for

We notice with concern the government's attitude towards the BNP that is reflective of its unwillingness to listen to criticism or provide political space to its main opponent. Last month the BNP was prevented from holding a public rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, and on Thursday it was barred from holding an indoor meeting at the Engineers' Institute. The aborted meeting was scheduled to discuss the recent incidents of abduction and killings
The ostensible ground was that the party had not obtained permission from the police. But what is extremely reprehensible is the high-handed manner in which the said meeting was foiled, by putting the main gate of the building under lock and key and then putting the onus on the Institution's authority.
We feel the administration owes the citizens an explanation. What were the considerations that prompted the police to preempt a meeting that was supposed to be voicing protest over a spate in abduction and killing?
The government has to bear in mind the fact that free speech and the right to assemble are constitutional rights which can be gagged only at the cost of the democratic system. And no party with a claim to long democratic traditions can afford to resort to such actions without being described as autocratic.
Dissent cannot be suppressed for long, and when attempt is made to do so, it can only negatively impact on the state of democracy and consequently on the credibility of the government.