Uncertainty looms over Saturday's rally of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance in the capital as many AL leaders are in favour of shifting the date to avoid confrontation with the BNP, which plans to hold a rally in the city the same day.

Earlier, following a 14-party alliance meeting on September 24, the AL announced that it would hold a rally at Mahanagar Natya Mancha on September 29.

The BNP on September 25 said it would hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on September 29 instead of September 27.

There have been political tensions over the two archrivals' announcements.

Yesterday, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader said they would not go for any programme to counter that of the BNP.

But AL Presidium Member Mohammed Nasim yesterday urged party activists to join Saturday's rally.

On Tuesday, he announced that party leaders and activists would take control of the city streets on September 29.

However, he yesterday said they want peace, not confrontation.

Meanwhile, at a programme in Rajbari yesterday, Quader, also minister for road, transport and bridges, said the AL would not go for any action until it comes under attack.

He said party leaders would be on the streets on Saturday but they will not be allowed to hold meetings.

At another programme at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, Nasim, also health minister, said, “We want election, not violence.” 

If anyone incites or resorts to violence, he would face dire consequences, he warned.

About Saturday's rally, Nasim, also coordinator of the 14-party alliance, said it was prescheduled while the BNP changed the date of its programme only to create conflict. 

Anisur Rahman Mollick, politburo member of the Workers Party, a component of the AL-led alliance, said they were preparing for Saturday's rally.