“We not only oppose the interference or intervention of the army but we’re also strongly against it. We believe in people’s power, the rule of law and democracy,” he said.
Fakhrul came up with the remarks at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP spokesman also claimed that some media did not properly present Khaleda’s remarks she made in Bogra on Sunday about the army which may confuse people.
He hoped that the media will be careful in publishing the remarks of the opposition leader.
Addressing a wayside rally at Matidali intersection of Bogra Sadar upazila, Khaleda said, “I thanked the army for not firing shots on the common people…They’ve the duty for the country. They can’t play the role of silent spectators… they can’t sit idle while people are getting killed. They’ll play their due role in time,” she said.
The opposition leader said, “Our army works for UN Peacekeeping Mission to maintain peace in foreign countries. If peace doesn’t prevail in the country, then foreigners will say the Bangladesh army cannot maintain peace in their own country. It’s a matter of consideration and now time has come to think about it.”
Reacting to Khaleda’s comments, Awami League joint general secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif on Monday alleged that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is prompting the army to capture power as she does not believe in democracy.
When Fakhrul’s attention was drawn to Hanif’s reaction, the BNP leader said. “I don’t think it necessary to reply to his remarks. Even then I want to say, Ziaur Rahman restored multiparty democracy and Khaleda established parliamentary democracy while Awami League had established one-party Baksal. So, people know it very well how they believe in democracy.”
Asked whether his party wants army intervention like that of 1/11, 2007, Fakhrul said no political and democratic party can seek it, and his party is against it as well.
He, however, said the army will perform their duty as they did in the past if they are called out in case of necessity of the country.
