Govt wants to keep BNP away from next polls

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the government is plotting to keep BNP away from the next general elections.
“The government wants to hold the polls under its rule to run the next parliament in a controlled manner with an obliged opposition…. But the people won't accept it,” he told newsmen after placing floral wreaths at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
He led the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, a front body of BNP, pay respects to Zia on the occasion of its 33rd founding anniversary.
Fakhrul also complained that the International Crimes Tribunal has failed to meet international standards in trying the war crimes suspects and the trial process is not transparent.
“We also want trial of war criminals but the government is conducting the trial with a political motive. War criminals will have to be tried in a transparent process,” he insisted.
Earlier on December 3, the main opposition asked the government to immediately stop the activities of the tribunal.
Two BNP leaders -- Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and Abdul Alim -- are standing trial on charges of committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.
Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque yesterday said BNP will return to the House in the next session if a bill is placed to reinstate the caretaker government system in the constitution.
“You [the president] have called parliament into session on January 25 and we want to join. But you will have to create a congenial atmosphere,” Farroque said while addressing a human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Zia Parishad organised the programme protesting filing of “false” cases against BNP leaders including its Senior Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman.