Opposition BNP on Saturday alleged that the government is misleading people by speaking about talks as it continues its repressive acts to suppress the opposition.
“On one hand, the government is conspiring and employing its all efforts to suppress the opposition’s movement and on the other confusing people by speaking about dialogue,” said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Fakhrul came up with the allegation at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP spokesman said the government used the state machinery to foil the 18-party’s pre-declared rallies across the country, including the ones in the capital and all other cities, on Friday. “They even imposed section 144 at different places but they were forced to lift it conceding to people’s pressure.”
He claimed that 18-party’s Friday’s countrywide programme had been successful because of people’s spontaneous participation in it.
He, however, alleged that eight opposition leaders and activists were killed in firings by the members of police, Rab, BGB and ruling party cadres in Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur, Nilphamari and Satkhira.
Besides, he claimed that over 650 leaders and activists of the 18-party were injured and 575 arrested by the law enforcers.
He strongly protested and denounced the government repressive acts and demanded immediate release of those arrested.
The BNP leader said the ruling party wants to return to power through illegal means as it fears a neutral, credible and inclusive election.
He also alleged that the government is using the law enforcers politically and making them to stand against people.
Replying to a question if the government becomes illegal after Sunday BNP chief Khaleda Zia will also no longer remain the opposition leader, Fakhrul said, “You’ll find the answer in her (Khaleda) speech.”
Asked whether they will withdraw the hartal programme that they announced for three days if the government calls them for engaging in dialogue today, he said time will say what to do.
BNP joint secretaries general Amanullah Aman, Barkatullah Bulu, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and education affairs secretary Khairul Kabir Khokan were, among others, present.
Source: UNBConnect
