BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused the government of wanting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia dead by denying her proper treatment.

Awami League leaders are telling lies and wrongly interpreting the law about the process to send Khaleda abroad for treatment, Fakhrul said while addressing a rally in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office yesterday.

BNP organised the rally as part of its 15-day programme to press home the demand for holding the next election under a non-partisan administration.

Fakhrul alleged that the government was spreading lies about Khaleda's health out of fear. "Because if Khaleda Zia gets well and returns, crores of people will take to the streets at her call."

"When you [Hasina] had a problem with your ears, you went to America on parole. Then why are you not letting Khaleda go abroad for treatment?"

The BNP leader said the government is not letting Khaleda got abroad for treatment for political vengeance. "They don't want her to get well; they don't want her in politics."

At the rally, party leaders and activists chanted different anti-government slogans and carried banners criticising the government.

Fakhrul also alleged that the government wants to establish a one-party rule in the country.

He said the government got hurt by Peter Haas' remarks. Ignoring all diplomatic norms, the government resorted to falsehood about the ambassador.

Mentioning the lack of accountability in the government, Fakhrul said, "Remittance declined in September as expatriate workers sent less money. They have no confidence in the Bangladesh economy."

A large number of law enforcers were deployed at the rally venue to maintain law and order.