Responding to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's recent threat to “cripple” the government, Awami League presidium member Matia Chowdhury yesterday said BNP comprises a number of “lame, deaf and dumb” leaders and activists.
“We have no record of engaging in politics with the deaf and dumb and conspirators. But you (Khaleda) did so. So, how can you threaten to cripple the government?” she asked.
Matia was presiding over a discussion organised by Awami League before the party's city headquarters marking the “black day”, which AL observes protesting the “farcical general election” of February 15, 1996 by the then BNP government.
On BNP's political programme on March 12, Matia, also the agriculture minister, warned that AL would resist any “conspiracy” to instigate violence on that day.
“You (Khaleda) should give up conspiracies and practice democracy. If BNP tries something undemocratic, we will do everything to ensure people's protection,” she said.
AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and presidium members Mohiduddin Khan Alamgir and Satish Chandra Roy were present at the discussion.