PM gave chances to terrorists

BNP yesterday accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of providing some derailed people, militants and terrorists the chance to create anarchy by weakening and destroying democratic forces and indulging in a “dangerous path to get international support and hang onto power”.

“A scope of terrorism and militancy has been created for a lack of democratic forces. The government is responsible for the current situation,” BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed said referring to recent murders of two foreigners, cops, bloggers and other terrorist attacks.

He was addressing as chief guest a discussion the party organised in the capital's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh marking “National Revolution and Solidarity Day”, which it observes on November 7.

Terming BNP a moderate democratic party against militancy and terrorism, Moudud said, “The government has been making evil efforts to identify BNP as a militant party by carrying out false propaganda through media, only to tarnish the party's image.”

He condemned and termed a wrong move the arrest of thousands of “innocent” leaders and activists around the country ahead of municipality polls by the government for its political gains “which may invite a dangerous situation in the country”.

Moudud said, “We want to urge the government to shun this perilous path and restore democracy and create a democratic environment in the country to suppress militancy and terrorism and allow the opposition to play its due role.”

He said there were two paths to contain militancy and terrorism, creating a democratic atmosphere by immediately holding a free, fair and inclusive election, and uniting all democratic forces and political parties.

“If you really love the country and are sincere in suppressing militancy, restore democracy and stop repression and suppression on political parties,” he said.

Moudud said BNP and all other parties want to help the government take proper steps so that Bangladesh does not turn into a militant and terrorist state.

BNP Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman chaired the programme where standing committee members Hannan Shah and Jamiruddin Sircar, Vice Chairman Selima Rahman and Bangladesh Kalyan Party chief Syed Mohammad Ibrahim also spoke.