Dhaka – Opposition BNP on Monday alleged that the government is pushing the country towards a civil war by its move to resist the oppositions’ ongoing ‘justified’ movement with law enforcers and ruling party men.“We’ve read in newspapers that the meeting of the cabinet committee on law and order has asked the Awami League and its associate bodies and local government representatives to assist the law enforcers. It was undeclared one earlier, now it’s declared one. Now they’re deploying their party forces in the filed to suppress the opposition’s movement,” said BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.
Addressing a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the evening, he also said, “We think the government’s move will surely lead to increased violence and loss of lives and public property. The decision, which will push the country to a civil war-like situation, is not only whimsical but also illegal and suicidal.”
He demanded the government immediately cancel the decision.
Harshly criticising the government for its move to hold a unilateral election, Nazrul said the government is going ahead towards a farcical election by its puppet Election Commission ignoring the mass people’s demand.
“It’s surprising that over 150 candidates are going to be elected uncontested in the farcical election. There’s no instance of such election in world history. The government’s initiative to arrange the polls keeping the opposition out of the race showing thumb to the people’s movement will be considered as a stigmatised chapter in the nation’s history,” the BNP leader said.
Mentioning that people have been deprived of their voting rights as 154 candidates got elected unopposed , he said the government is staging a drama in the name of election sensing its sure defeat in the election if it is held with the participation of all parties.
He warned that the nation will not forgive the government if it annihilates democracy wearing a fake democracy dress.
Nazrul Islam also said the government has been continuing repression and oppression on its political opponents and killing people like birds.
He said the opposition movement has been going on to realise a demand for an election under a non-party neutral administration with the participation of all parties.
“We want to clearly tell the government that there’s still time. Stop the game of lopsided election and end the drama of the election of farce. Save the nation from the severe anarchy by cancelling the election schedule. Or else, the democracy-loving people will be forced even to shut your safe exit,” the BNP policymaker said.
Reiterating the opposition’s stance on resolving the ongoing crisis through a meaningful dialogue, Nazrul assured that they will postpone their announced action programme, 72-hour blockade, if the government announces to meet their demand.
“We hope, the government will come to the path of logic and meet people’s demand realising the reality. The sooner it does it, the better it will be for people.”- UNB
