Dhaka, Jan 11 – BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that Awami League has been following a depoliticisation formula introduced by the 1/11 regime in 2007 as part of its efforts to “establish a monarchy” in Bangladesh. Speaking at a human-chain programme, he urged the political parties and people of all walks of life to forge a ‘greater mass unity’ to remove both the current government and the Election Commission (EC).
“On this day in 2007, an army-backed illegal caretaker government was formed through local and international conspiracies. It had started the depoliticisation process in Bangladesh by arresting many political leaders and activists, including our leader Khaleda Zia, in false cases at that time,” Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader said, “It’s most surprising that Awami League is still carrying out the depoliticisation process following the formula of the illegal caretaker government…This party is going to establish a monarchy in the country under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.”
BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the resignation of the Election Commission for its ‘failure’ to ensure credible and impartial voting in the recent polls.
Fakhrul said the current EC that ‘killed’ democracy has now turned into the most ‘hatred’ institution in the country.
“We’ve long been repeatedly seeking the resignation of the Election Commission. Not only the political parties, but also the noted intellectuals, NGO activists and international organisations are now clearly saying a truly fair and credible election is not possible in Bangladesh unless the current Election Commission is removed,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the EC has miserably failed to perform its constitutional responsibilities due to its incompetence.
“The ruling party has been rigging votes in local government polls the way they did in the national election. “Those who from our party joined the election in Gazipur’s Sreepur were tortured yesterday (Sunday), but the Election Commission couldn’t do anything,” he claimed.
The BNP leader said Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda used to say the voting was fair after every election even though more 100 percent votes were cast at some polling stations.
“I would like to call upon everyone to build a greater mass unity to get rid of not only the Election Commission but also of those who have killed people and snatched their rights. We urge all political parties to unite for forging the greater unity to protect our own rights, our right to vote and right to live. Let’s wage a movement to oust this government,” Fakhrul said.
He said the Election should step down immediately if it has a minimum sense of shame. “Otherwise, people will force you to quit.”
The BNP leader also urged the government to quit with dignity before the time runs out fast.
Fakhrul alleged that the ruling party has restored a one-party rule of 1975 under a different cover by snatching people’s all rights and destroying all the institutions.
He accused the ruling party leaders of indulging in widespread ‘corruption and plundering’. “They’ve turned the country into a den of plundering.” – UNB
