BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka has instructed the opposition leaders and activists to carry “machetes and axes” to counter any attacks, if necessary, when they join the party’s October 25 rally.
The Dhaka city convenor of the main opposition party gave the instruction at a joint meeting of the party on Monday.
The meeting was organised at Bhashani Auditorium at the capital’s Nayapaltan to make the October 25 programme a success. The leaders from all words of the capital city took part in the meeting.
“We have to take preparation on two issues,” Khoka said. “One is making the rally a success while the other is staying ready with machetes, axes and whatever you have to face if being attacked.”
He added: “If Awami League carries anything to kill people, we have to face them at any cost. They should not be spared.”
Tension has arisen as the opposition has planned the rally for October 25 as the last session of the current parliament is scheduled to end on October 24. Meanwhile, the ruling party has also announced a rally in the capital for the day.
Khoka, also the former mayor of the Dhaka City Corporation, came up with the warning a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said any chaos after October 24 would be faced with an iron hand.
At the highest forum of the ruling AL, she also said Sunday the Jatiya Sangsad could sit after October 25 and till the election schedule is announced.
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the October 25 programme as the final stage of their demonstrations.
“Quarter and semi finals have been over. Now this is the final round,” he said. “It is a day and night match. We have no alternative to winning the game.”
Encouraging all to get prepared for the movement, he said, “We have only one way in front of us that is ousting the government through the toughest mass movement.”
Source: The Daily Star
This is unfortunate – this should not be the language of a leader that strives to achieve democratic rights!
Instead of going violence-for-violence BNP should try Gandhi’s non-violent tactics. This may not yield result in the short run and likely to entail more sufferings but a non-violent path is something that will attract attention and respect of all.and bring victory at the end.