Bangladesh people don’t have independence: BNP

The opposition BNP on Wednesday alleged that people are no longer independent in Bangladesh as the Awami League government has revived “one-party rule”.

“Though we achieved independence (in 1971), we don’t have freedom any more. We aren’t free at all as a heavy stone has been imposed on our chests,” said BNP secretary general Mirza FakhrulIslam Alamgir.

In a brief address prior to taking out a rally, he further said, “The Awami League has revived one-party rule snatching our independence, our freedom of expression, freedom of free thinking and freedom of the press.”

The BNP leader said their chairperson Khaleda Zia who throughout her life struggled for democracy has now been caged in jail “unlawfully in a false case”.

Though Khaleda is seriously sick, she is not provided any treatment, Fakhrul said urging people to get united to oust the current regime as it is inflicting sufferings on them. “Let’s get united to free our leader and democracy, and it should be our today’s vow,” he said.

The BNP orgaanised the colorful rally marking the Independence Day. Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies joined the rally brought out around 3 pm from the party’s central office at Naya Paltan.

The procession ended at Shantinagar crossing after parading Bijoynagar and Kakrail areas.

Holding portraits of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, chairperson Khaleda Zia, senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman, and carrying the national flag, placards, banners and festoons, the BNP leaders and activists chanted slogans and demanded the release of their chairperson.

Huge law enforcers were deployed in the areas to maintain law and order and fend off any untoward incident.