Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader Thursday said the movement of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) means instigating terrorist acts and anarchy in the name of occupying the streets.
“The traditional character of BNP is hindering the country’s democratic culture. Instead of staying beside the country’s people amid the global crisis, they (BNP leaders) are involved in anti-state and anti-government activities,” he said in a statement.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the BNP is hatching conspiracy to oust a democratic government, capitalising on the global economic crisis.
At the same time, he said, the BNP is now becoming an anti-state and anti-people party by waging a movement against the incumbent government.
The BNP’s inherent nature is now exposed to the people and that is why it is trying to seize the state power in any way, the AL general secretary said.
The BNP is demanding the resignation of the government although it is isolated from the people, he added.
Quader said the BNP has deployed its terrorist forces to create an unstable situation in the country and their terrorist acts are putting the security of public properties and lives at risk.
He said the BNP is trying to protect its terrorist forces voicing allegations that the government is suppressing opposition parties.
“In all the areas of the country where they (BNP men) are carrying out terrorist acts, the law enforcing agencies are taking action against terrorists with specific allegations,” the road transport and bridges minister said.
He said the AL does not believe in suppressing the opposition opinion because it thinks that the country’s people are the only source of politics and power.
“That’s why it is the crucial duty of the government to protect the lives and properties of the people,” he added.
Asking the BNP to take the path of democratic movement shunning its dependence on terrorism, Quader said nobody will be allowed to create panic among the people through anarchy in the name of movement.
He said history gives testimony that Bangladesh has dealt with all crises under the bold leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The country’s people have confidence in the AL government led by Sheikh Hasina, the AL general secretary said, adding that they responded to all the calls Sheikh Hasina’s government made.
He said although BNP fails to understand the global crisis, the people are becoming prudent and keeping patience considering the ongoing situation.
“Election is the only way to change the government. We will ask the BNP to test its popularity by participating in the next elections,” Quader said.
