BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed today alleged the ruling Awami League to have patronised various social crimes including murder and rape.

“I want to say loudly, (you) will find that there is support of ruling party men in all the social crimes,” he said at a programme at National Press Club in Dhaka.

Referring to newspaper report regarding the Banani rape, the senior BNP leader said: “It has been proved that influential people are involved in the rape of two students”.

“Influential means people involved with government,” he said.

Regarding the independence of judiciary, Moudud said: “I must praise the incumbent chief justice as he is trying to establish the independence of judiciary in true sense. I wish his success.”

Regarding the next parliamentary elections, Moudud said his party is ready to join the election whenever it is held. “But a congenial atmosphere must be ensured.”