Govt set to establish autocratic rule, says Nazrul Islam Khan
Calling upon the government to halt the January-5 ‘farcical election’ process, opposition BNP on Tuesday said an opportunity is still there for announcing a fresh election schedule through talks and compromise.
“The crisis is getting complicated further the way activities for a stage-managed election are going on. It’s still possible to announce a fresh election schedule through talks cancelling the results of those elected unchallenged,” said senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan.
Addressing a press conference on the first day of the 18-party’s blockade programme at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also urged the government to take initiatives for overcoming the ongoing political crisis through a meaningful dialogue.
Nazrul claimed that at least three opposition activists were killed and over 251 injured in attacks of law enforcers and ruling party men during the first day of the blockade.
Besides, he said, over 151 opposition leaders and activists were arrested and more than 4,000 others implicated in ‘false cases’.
Nazrul alleged that around 52 percent voters have already been deprived of exercising their franchise in the farcical election as the government has distributed 154 seats among the ruling party and its partners as it has lost its moral strength to seek votes from the electorate.
Mentioning that the country is passing through a dangerous time, the BNP leader said the government is spreading the stream of a civil war to establish an autocratic rule. “It’s an ominous sign for the country.”
The BNP leader warned the government that neither the country’s people nor the international community will recognise the general election if it is held unilaterally.
Nazrul criticised the government for what he said growing repressive acts and killing opposition leaders and activists and making them disappeared.
He claimed that at least 25 opposition leaders and activists were killed by the law enforcers and ruling party ‘cadres’ in Laxmipur, Joypurhat, Satkhira, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Lalmonirhat and Jessore in the last few days.
The BNP leader urged the government to stop repression, killing and making disappeared people by the law enforcers and ruling party ‘cadres’.
Reacting to Communications Minister Obaidul Quader’s remarks that the dialogue can be held over the 11th parliamentary polls as there is no scope for the opposition to join 10th national election, Nazrul said his remarks contradictory with other ministers. “I’m not sure whether it’s his personal or government’s views.”
He said people have long been on the movement, and dialogue is being held for holding the 10th general election in a free, fair and credible manner with the participation of all, not for the 11th parliamentary polls.
Nazrul urged the ministers to refrain from making unguarded and contradictory remarks.
Asked when the BNP delegation will sit with the ruling party team, the BNP policymaker said, “We’ve swapped the proposals of each other. Now the government has to take the initiative for further talks. It’s their duty.”
Sought his comment about Pakistan National Assembly’s resolution expressing concern over the hanging of war criminal Abdul Quader Mollah, he said, “The government should have protested it earlier. It’s the duty of the government.”
Mentioning his participation in the War of Liberation in 1971, Nazrul said, “We liberated the country through a liberation war. As the current regime has divided nation only to cling to power, the other country has got the opportunity to bring such a resolution.”
Source: UNB Connect
