The BNP yesterday accused the government of indulging in fascism.

"Murders, enforced disappearances and abductions have been rising sharply as the government has held on to power by force," said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while speaking at the council of Sylhet city and district party units.

Speaking as chief guest at the programme, Fakhrul said the government had alienated itself from the people and that it had increasingly been resorting to repressive acts to consolidate power. 

Accusing the government of stifling democracy, the BNP leader said, "The country is now in great danger. It's high time to save the country from this situation."

He called upon BNP leaders and activists to be united and increase the party's strength to restore democracy under the leadership of party chief Khaleda Zia.

"It's possible to oust the government through a strong movement at the grassroots level," Fakhrul said, adding that a reshuffle of the party would be followed by a movement by the opposition along with people to restore people's rights and democracy.

The government will not be able to eliminate BNP through repressive acts, he said.

"Instead, the BNP will become stronger gradually with the support of people."

The council of Sylhet city BNP and its district units was organised at Shaheed Soleman Hall of Sylhet Kendrio Muslim Sahitya Sangsad. The last council was held in 2009.

New committees of the two BNP units will be elected through direct votes of 132 councillors.

Meanwhile, BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed yesterday at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could not put up with protest of oppressed people. 

"The country has fallen victim to the premier's continuous threats. That's why she is known to the people as threat leader," Rizvi said.