The BNP on Friday alleged that the government is obstructing its councils at grass roots level in a bid to thwart the party’s overhauling process.
“There’re no human rights and basic rights of people in the country. Even, the government has snatched our constitutional rights as it is not allowing our party’s councils at grass roots level,” said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he further said, “As per the political party regulation (PPR), political parties hold councils in light of their constitutions. But, the government is creating barrier to our party’s councils.”
Ripon also came down hard on the government for what he said carrying out a wholesale arrest of BNP leaders and activists across the country.
He alleged that law enforcers arrested their many party men from different districts, including Chittagong, Satkhira, Brahmanbaria, Kushtia, Jhenidah, Rajshahi, Jessore, Mymensingh, Gaibandha, Thakurgaon, Gazipur and Bagerhat, in ‘false’ cases on Thursday.
“What can we call this arrest drive? Can it be any democratic attitude? The government is gradually squeezing political space by resorting to repressive acts,” he said.
Ripon alleged that the government is arresting their leaders and activists and using the law enforcers so that they cannot reorganise their party and hold councils.
He urged the government to ensure a democratic atmosphere shunning repressive acts.
As per the PPR, political parties should hold their councils after every three years. BNP has not been able to hold its national council though the party was supposed to do it three years back. The last council of the party was held in December 2009.
They party started forming its fresh committees at grass roots level since October this year aiming to hold its national council in December.
Ripon slammed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for what he said attacking their party’s top leaders with indecent language in Bogra. “The way she attacked her opponents is devoid of political etiquette. We strongly condemn the Awami League president’s foul, indecent and ugly comments. We hope she will exercise restraint in using such words about her opponents in the future.”
Source: prothom-alo
