'Storm of protest' approaching

BNP senior leader Moudud Ahmed yesterday warned the government of a “storm of protest” if it does not accept the seven-point charter of Jatiya Oikyafront.

“If our demands are not accepted before the polls schedule, there will be a storm of protest. That storm will pave way for a free and fair election,” he said.

The BNP standing committee member was speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Forum at Jatiya Press Club.

The major opposition alliance Jatiya Oikyafront, which includes BNP, is campaigning with a seven-point charter. It prioritises release of BNP chief Khaleda Zia and dissolution of parliament before the upcoming general election.

“There is no alternative to overthrowing an autocratic government. This unity will dispose of the government's evil agenda,” Moudud said.

About “ghost cases”, he said such cases are being filed not only against grassroots level leaders but also top leaders.

He alleged that a new plan to arrest opposition men is being hatched as the ruling party realised it would be defeated by a wide margin if a free and fair election is held.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the government is trying to return to power by keeping opposition parties out of the election race.

“They [government] want to retain power by holding a lopsided election like the 2014 one, keeping all the opposition parties out of the polls,” he told reporters after placing wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman's grave with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 40th founding anniversary.

Fakhrul warned that the people will not accept any unilateral polls, and they will make their movement for restoring democracy, voting and other rights a success through united efforts.

He alleged that the government is arresting not only BNP leaders and activists, but also those who speak in favour of democracy as part of its “evil” plan. “They're filing false cases against pro-democratic people and sending them to jail.”

The BNP leader said the government is moving ahead with an objective to “restore” one-party rule in the country.