Hena to launch anti-militant movement

Outspoken lawmaker Abu Hena, who was expelled from ruling BNP on Thursday for commenting on militancy, will soon launch an anti-militant movement with politicians, lawmakers and members of the civil society and professional bodies.

"The objective of this movement is to free the country of Islamist militants and rampant corruption as the government has failed to do so," Hena told The Daily Star yesterday.

"I am now thinking about the mode of launching the movement across the country and will chalk out plans in a couple of days."

The legislator on Friday hinted about 100 ruling BNP lawmakers and leaders will join hands with him against militancy in time.

Hena said several senior political leaders and members of the civil society and professional bodies have already congratulated him on his stance.

"I believe they will also stand against the rise of militancy in the country," said Hena, who was long involved in professionals' movements before joining politics.

The lawmaker hinted he would hold a series of discussions and rallies to gather public support before launching the movement.

However, the expelled BNP leader who is passing his days in panic categorically said he has no plan to form a new political party.

Hena, who had alleged a section of the government and BNP leaders are behind the rise of militants, said the people must resist the Frankenstein as the government is indifferent to this burning issue.

"There is no alternative to launching a vigorous movement against militancy and rampant corruption in the country."

On the recent statements of BNP's standing committee member Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, KM Obaidur Rahman and Whip Ashraf Hossain, Hena said it is a good sign that senior leaders are becoming vocal against the militants.