Govt out to use militancy for political gain: Fakhrul

The government wants to use the militancy issue to make its political gain and suppress its opponents instead of removing the ill force, alleges BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

"Militancy, a dangerous demon, is spreading in the country for lack of democracy. But the government wants to use it to suppress its opponents instead of properly tackling the crisis. So, the real offenders [militants] remain untouched," he said.

Fakhrul was talking to journalists after placing wreaths together with the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave yesterday to mark its 36th founding anniversary.

He also alleged that the government continued implicating the BNP leaders and activists in "false" cases and arresting them to annihilate its opponents.

The BNP leader said it was now clear to people that the government was not willing to get rid of militancy. They rather wanted to use the issue with a political motive.

Replying to a question, Fakhrul rejected the allegation that Ziaur Rahman was involved in Bangabandhu murder.

He said those who came to power after the killing were Awami League men. He also added that the ruling party was fabricating stories only to hide their misdeeds.

In reply to another question about the party leaders' resentment over its new executive committee, Fakhrul said it was not possible for the big party like BNP to accommodate all leaders in the committee. 

Asked whether the party would bring any change in the committee, he said it was not possible to comment on this issue at this moment.

"Some party posts will be vacated as those leaders holding more than one post will quit their posts. We will fill the vacant posts with our competent leaders," he added.