Staff Reporter:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday accused the government of trying to create a confrontational situation in the country in a planned way by attacking the peaceful programmes of the opposition.
“We’re clearly observing that this government is taking the country towards conflict in a planned way. They want to create a confrontational situation by attacking and obstructing the programs of the opposi-tion parties without any provocation,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said their party has so far been observing all the programs of their ongoing movement in a peaceful and democratic manner braving all obstacles and repressive acts.
Stating that Awami League always talks about abiding by the constitution, Fakhrul said the opposition’s rights to speak and protest have been enshrined in the national charter.
“Why can’t we say anything against the government? Is the government the state or the God? The gov-ernment is not the God (that we can’t criticize it),” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party does not believe in democracy and freedom of expression. “To them (those in power), they alone will speak up and all must follow their words like their slaves. But the people of Bangladesh won’t let that happen.”
Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal arranged the discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) protesting the killing of Sultana Jasmine, a union land office employee in Naogaon, in Rab custody last month.
Fakhrul said Sultana Jasmine was picked up by the law enforcers illegally from the street. “This can’t happen in any civilised and democratic country. It’s a gross violation of law and the constitution.”
