PM out to launch ‘restricted democracy’: Fakhrul

File photo: BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

File photo: BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

A top leader of the main opposition BNP Thursday alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to introduce a “restricted democracy” disregarding people’s desire.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the BNP, made the remark in a reference to the PM’s statement the day before that somebody will have to start the democracy and that the Awami League would do it through handing over the power by holding the elections in a free and fair manner.

He was addressing a programme organised by the Jubo Jagpa, youth front of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party, at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

Referring to the premier’s comment that the civil society members are responsible for “all problems” in the country, Fakhrul said Hasina, while in opposition, used to like whatever the civil society members would say.

After assuming the power, she started to dislike the civil society which always speaks the truth, Fakhrul said

The BNP leader also criticised the government’s handling of the law enforcement agencies.

“They have kept police standing at each and every alley of the city. It seems that there is a battle going on between the law enforcers and the people,” he opined.

Fakhrul demanded immediate release of rights body Odhikar’s Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan who was arrested for publishing “a distorted report and photoshopped images” on the May 5 police action on a Hefajat-e Islam rally in the capital.

Source: The Daily Star