Ishraque calls on supporters to stay on the streets

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain today instructed his supporters to remain on the streets for "as long as necessary".

In a post on his verified Facebook page this afternoon, he wrote, "There's only one instruction--no one is to leave the streets for as long as necessary."

In a separate Facebook post earlier this morning, Ishraque called for the resignation of Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, citing their alleged political affiliations.

Ishraque wrote, "In democratic language and in line with political courtesy, I am calling for the resignation of Adviser Asif Mahmud and Adviser Mahfuj Alam on logical grounds."

"It is evident that you (the adviser ) are affiliated with a political party and may soon become directly involved. It also seems quite clear that you intend to contest in the upcoming election. In that case, is the demand for your resignation illogical? Or would it not be the right step to end the political controversy surrounding you?"

He added, "If you resign, it will enhance the image of neutrality of the current government. I still believe that if you join politics directly and gain experience through party and organisational work, you will be able to serve the country and its people more effectively."

Ishraque further wrote, "If you cling to power, you will inevitably have to provide undue advantages to your party members."

There is neither the possibility nor the capacity for you to remain completely neutral under such circumstances--no one can. The burden will fall on your heads, but others will reap the benefits."

At the time of writing, neither of the advisers had publicly responded to Ishraque's remarks.