The BNP-led 18-party alliance has threatened to continue its movement under the leadership of Khaleda Zia until its demand for election under a non-party
poll-time administration is met.
“The government is carrying out repression on the Opposition. We shall, however, continue with our movement till our demand is met,” BNP acting secretary general Mirza
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a written statement on Tuesday. Alamgir has asked the government to give up power and introduce a non-party caretaker system immediately in
the interest of an acceptable and inclusive general election.
He blamed the Election Commission (EC) for its “attempt to hold a lopsided poll” and asked it to postpone the date for the 10th parliamentary election and ensure
participation of all political parties in the poll.
Alamgir assailed the government for its claim that “talks were going on with the Opposition BNP behind the scenes” to end the political stalemate.
“The government is not sincere for talks and does not want to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Ministers of the poll-time cabinet are spreading lies in a bid to
mislead people,” he alleged.
Describing the government as “anti-people”, he alleged that a group of government agents was out to malign the BNP when people in large numbers have hit the streets
protesting against the government’s move to hold a stage-managed election.
“Although people and the international community have underscored the need for talks to pave the way for an inclusive and acceptable participatory national poll, the
government, in association with the EC, is progressing on its immoral mission to hang on to power by holding a one-sided election,” he alleged.
Demanding immediate release of the party’s arrested leaders and withdrawal of cases against them, Alamgir said their movement against the government’s repressive
policies would not go in vain.
BNP spokesperson Salauddin Ahmed has said that acts of repression will go in vain in the face of the Opposition’s movement which is intensifying across the country.
“The entire country has become a prison as Opposition leaders and supporters have been put behind bars. Democracy and sovereignty of the nation are at stake,” said a
press statement released by the Opposition leader on Tuesday.
Salauddin, also joint secretary general of the party, said a drama in the name of election is being staged across the country in line with the directive of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh is being isolated from the rest of the world as the government is bent on holding a lopsided poll, ignoring the opinion of the international community, to
establish its one-party autocratic administration, he said.
Salauddin said there is widespread anger against the Awami League. It has let loose loyal law enforcers to prevent its debacle in the election. He was also critical of
the government for establishing “absolute control” over all administrative organs.
“I am calling on the people to join the anti-government movement to save the country, democracy and people in the interest of sovereignty,” he added.
-With The Independent input
