The ruling Awami League will not be able to hold its previously announced rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram to mark Human Rights Day on December 10 as it has failed to get permission from the Election Commission, General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking to reporters after paying his respects at the grave of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy on the occasion of his 60th death anniversary on Tuesday morning. 

“We had applied to the Election Commission, but it did not accept our request,” Quader said, adding that the commission was afraid of displays of power on the pretext of rallies ahead of the general election.

“That is why we will celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10 indoors. We do not want to violate any electorate code of conduct.”