Dhaka – Defending the government’s strong surveillance and restriction on transports in the city for the last couple of days, Awami League joint secretary Dr Dipu Moni on Monday said it was not a blockade but a government measure to protect public life and property.“This is not a blockade by the government in any way…this was done to protect public life and property,” she said while briefing reporters at AL president’s Dhanmondi office in the afternoon.
AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam was supposed to address the press conference. Dr Dipu Moni briefed the reporters as Ashraful did not turn up.
Responding to a question about the government’s excessive surveillance that put the normal life in the city in disarray, Dipu Moni said widespread violence that had been apprehended could be have been averted due to the measure. “There has been no bigger unpleasant incident in the city because of the measure,” she added.
About the opposition leader’s Sunday’s abortive bid to go to her party office, the AL joint secretary said Khaleda Zia did that just for a photo session.
“Had she been that much sincere she would have joined the programme on foot,” Dipu Moni said adding that the mass people have rejected their programme.
As her attention was drawn to the incidents that took place on the High Court premises on Sunday and today (Monday) between the AL and BNP men, she said it was very much unfortunate and her party never supports this.
“The sanctity of the court has been undermined with such unholy activities, which are unacceptable to all,” she said.
The AL leader said it was the sacred duty of all to save the dignity of the High Court and mentioned that once some pro-BNP lawyers kicked on the door of the chief justice.
In her written speech, Dipu Moni said the opposition leader’s yesterday’s attitude was indecent as it went beyond the political courtesy. “It was totally unacceptable and we strongly condemn this attitude.”
She also criticized Khaleda Zia’s attitude towards police personnel.
Noting that the armed forces are the country’s pride asset, Dipu Moni asked the opposition leader to refrain from making any provocative comment against the ‘patriotic armed forces’ in the future. – UNB
