BNP threatens of mass upsurge to 'restore' democracy

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said their party will create a mass upsurge in the country to 'restore' democracy.

"We now must awake and get united to restore democracy by creating a mass upsurge. It is possible to restore democracy together with people," he said.

Speaking at a discussion BNP leader further said, "I want to confidently say 2018 will be the year of Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP. It will also be a year of people and democracy. We will surely prove it through a movement and victory."

Jatiyatabadi Ayinjibi Forum, a pro-BNP lawyers' body, arranged the programme at the Supreme Court Bar Association's Building auditorium marking January 5 as 'Democracy Killing Day'.

The lawyers showed black flags at the meeting registering their protest against what they said annihilating democracy by holding a lopsided election on January 5, 2014.

Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and lawyers to visit rural areas to encourage people for waging a movement against the current government.

Describing January 5 as a stigmatised day for the nation, He said it is regrettable that the day is also the most stigmatised day for Awami League which has a long history and tradition of democratic movement.

"Now Awami League has been in a condition that they have to depend on the police, RAB, and guns to stay in power without holding an election," he said.

The BNP leader said that the ruling party does not want to hold a fair and inclusive election in fear of facing a debacle.

He criticised the government for not allowing their party to hold a rally in the city marking the January 5 election day while the ruling party was given permission to hold two rallies in the city on the occasion.

Fakhrul also slammed the government for what he said resorting to repressive acts, killing, enforced disappearance and false cases to suppress its opponents.