‘We will not let BNP take power’

Alleging that BNP is hatching a conspiracy to assume power in an unconstitutional way, leaders of the Awami League-led 14-party grand alliance yesterday said they will not allow this to happen in any way.

They made the statement while speaking at a discussion organised to mark the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the capital's Institution of Diploma Engineers.

"Apart from national conspiracies, international conspiracies are now being hatched… BNP has formed an alliance comprising 54 parties; the 14-party alliance is enough to resist it. None will be allowed to assume power in such a manner," said AL presidium member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya.

Speaking at the event, AL advisory council member Amir Hossain Amu, also coordinator and spokesperson for the alliance, said those who are against the government's development work are now plotting against the government.

"Sometimes, we hear that the BNP-led alliance comprises 30 parties; sometimes, it says there are 54 parties in the alliance. If the party is so popular, then why is it afraid to take part in the election? Because it knows that it will not be able to assume power this way," said Amu.

"They raise allegations of vote rigging, but it was Ziaur Rahman [BNP founder] who first rigged the election," he added.

"Those who want to distort the charter have no right to live in this country. Some local and international quarters are conspiring. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will come out victorious combating all these," said Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon while addressing the event.

AL Presidium Member Quamrul Islam alleged that BNP-Jamaat wants to prevent the country's progress and pollute politics.

"They want an unelected government. Under no circumstance will the caretaker government be restored. No one will be allowed to come to power by unconstitutional means," added Quamrul.