AL, BNP test strength at grassroots

The two major political parties -- the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP -- will  hold programmes in all unions across the country today to demonstrate their strength at the grassroots level.

The BNP will bring out protest marches, while  the AL will hold "peace rallies".

The AL announced its plan on February 5, a day after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced their march programme to press home their 10-point demand, which includes holding the upcoming national election under a non-party caretaker government.

While BNP leaders asked the AL not to announce any counter-programmes, the ruling party leaders said they would be on the streets in case BNP men became anarchic.

The BNP yesterday said it would not be possible to stop their ongoing movement to restore democracy in the country by announcing counter programmes.

"You [AL] cannot obstruct our peaceful programme. People took to the streets and proved that it would not be possible to stop the movement by filing false cases and opening fire," said Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, standing committee member of the party.

"By announcing counter programmes, the Awami League is proving that they have become bankrupt as a political party. The situation of the ruling party reached such an extent that they could not attract people by announcing counter programmes. So, they are now trying to obstruct BNP's programmes," he added.

The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a human chain programme in front of the National Press Club organised by the Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh.

"People laughed at AL's counter programmes. It is because you have already been defeated politically. You have no right to announce a political programme. You were defeated as you took a position against the people of the country."

Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said that his party would continue holding programmes until the next election.

"They [BNP] are now walking on a path of conspiracy to oust Sheikh Hasina's government from power. In such a situation, how can we refrain from organising political programmes? We are well aware of what they can become if they get an opportunity ... There is nothing they are not capable of if they are given an opportunity."

He made the remarks during the meeting between AL's Dhaka city north and south units and different associate bodies at the party's central office in Gulistan

"They [BNP] have taken to the streets ... we are holding peace rallies fearing they might carry out terror activities. As long as the BNP holds any movement, we will hold a peace rally," said Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister.

He also announced that the AL would hold divisional rallies in Mymensingh on March 11 and in Barishal on March 18.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the party president, would attend the rallies as chief guest, he further said.