BNP today blamed the government of Sheikh Hasina for “giving militants and terrorists a chance to raise their heads by weakening democratic forces.”

“The government is on a dangerous path to gain internal support to hang on to power,” BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed said thia at a programme in Dhaka. “Militants are taking that chance.”

“Some derailed people and extremists are trying to create anarchy. Lack of democratic forces has given the scope for rise of terrorism and militancy.”

The BNP standing committee member was speaking at a discussion programme organised marking “National Revolution and Solidarity Day” on November 7 at Engineers’ Institue.

Claiming BNP a party against militancy and terrorism, Moudud alleged that the government is trying to smear the image of his party by carrying out propaganda in the media.

He also criticised the government for the arrest of BNP activists throughout the country saying it is being done to “gain political edge ahead of the municipality polls”.

Moudud said: “There are two options open – one to hold an inclusive election immediately, to create a democratic atmosphere, and the other by uniting all democratic forces to contain militancy.”