Justify your opposition to army deployment: BNP asks AL

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday asked Awami League to justify why it is opposing the deployment of army during the national election.

“We simply can’t understand what Awami League’s problem is if the Armed Forces are deployed in the 11th parliamentary elections,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the army makes outstanding contributions towards tackling natural disasters in the the country. “So, what is the problem if the army plays a role in holding an election in a credible and neutral manner?”

Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao Andolon, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.

Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said no question was raised when the national elections were held with the deployment of army in the past.

He said the issue of army deployment is sensitive to Awami League as it did injustice to the country’s people and failed to play the role of a democratic political party.

“No disaster is bigger than stanching people’s voting rights. So, what’s the problem if the army plays a role in facing such a calamity? Why do they fear army?” the BNP leaders said.

He said people want army deployment in the next polls so that they can exercise their right to franchise without any fear in a peaceful atmosphere.

Khosru alleged that the government is conducting a false campaign about the country’s development and the GDP growth by snatching people’s rights only to cling to power.