People will resist lopsided election, says BNP

Accusing the government of preparing to hold another lopsided election, BNP on Thursday warned of putting up a strong resistance against the move.

"We would like to clearly say people will surely resist any move to hold a unilateral election like the January-5 one. You (govt) think people will sit idle when you'll indulge in such unlawful acts," said BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he said, "You won't be allowed to play a game in an empty field. The election must be held under a non-party neutral government and BNP will join it under the leadership of Khaleda Zia."

Earlier at a programme in Noakhali's Kabir Haat on Wednesday, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said AL does not urge BNP to join the election as it is the party's internal matter.

He, however, said the government will give a befitting reply if BNP tries to resort to violence and create chaos during the election.

Reacting to Quader's comment, Rezvi said, "His remarks expose that the ruling party has started taking preparation for a unilateral election."

He alleged that Quader kept his electoral opponent and BNP standing committee member confined to his village for several days and even did not allow him to offer fateha at his parents' grave on the Eid day.

The BNP leader also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a false comment that the government has taken all-out steps so that people can smoothly celebrate the Eid going their own homes.

"At least 10 people were killed and scores of others injured in road accidents on the Eid day alone," he said.

Rizvi also criticised the jail authorities for what he said denying BNP chairperson's relatives to give her home-made-food inside the jail on the Eid day.

He alleged that the jail authorities showed such an inhuman attitude only to appease the government.