Hand over power to a neutral administration: Khaleda to govt

Accusing the government of having failed to check repeated 'terror attacks’ in the country, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today asked the government to quit and hand over power to a neutral administration for holding a credible national election.

"Since the BDR incident that killed 57 army officers, the government has failed to check the frequent incidents of killing. Such incidents are happening one after another. So, it should resign by transferring power to a neutral government paving the path for a free and fair election," she said.

Khaleda made the demand while exchanging greetings with journalists at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, marking Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BNP chief voiced deep concern over the crude bomb attack near the country's largest Eid congregation at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila in the morning. "The terror attack on an Eid congregation is very unfortunate. We're profoundly saddened over the incident."

She observed that people are celebrating the Eid this year in a somber mood following the country's deadliest terrorist attack at a café in Gulshan on Friday night.

At least four people, including two police members, were killed and 10-15 others injured in a bomb explosion followed by a volley of gunfire near the country's largest Eid congregation at Sholakia today.

Earlier on Friday night, terrorists attacked Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan and killed at least 22 civilians, including 17 foreigners, three Bangladeshis, and two senior police official before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff.

Khaleda said it is now essential to forge a national unity to stop recurring brutal incidents in the country. "But, we're seeing the usurper and unelected government is making unguarded remarks and indulging in a blame game instead of consoling the country's people and uniting them."

She also alleged that the government is also detaining and repressing opposition leaders and activists instead of arresting real offenders involved in the heinous incidents.