Awami League’s lies became clear after US embassy’s statement: Fakhrul

BNP yesterday said the government lied about the lifting of US sanctions on Rab, which became clear through the recent statement of the US embassy in Dhaka.

"The government lied about it, and this has been proven through the statement of the US embassy in Dhaka," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party.

He made the remark at a press conference at the party chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office.

Clarifying matters over Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan's comments, the US embassy on Tuesday said US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, during his visit to Dhaka, did not indicate a time-frame for lifting the sanctions on Rab.

Talking to reporters at the secretariat on Monday, the home minister said the US sanctions on Rab would be lifted soon, as Lu had expressed his satisfaction over the force's recent activities.

Asked whether BNP tried to hold a meeting with Lu, Fakhrul said, "We [BNP] did not."

Fakhrul said it is noticeable that the US expressed its firm stance on democracy and commented on a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Criticising Awami League for announcing programmes on the day of BNP's programme, Fakhrul said, "If any untoward situation arises, Awami League will be held responsible for that."

The BNP leader also said surveillance equipment was purchased from Israel just to repress the opposition party.

Expressing deep concern over the cases filed under the Digital Security Act, Fakhrul said in the last four years, a total of 1,209 cases have been filed.

He demanded immediate release of the arrestees and annulment of the act.

AL RUINING NATION'S ACHIEVEMENTS

BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday alleged that Awami League has ruined all the nation's achievements.

There is no alternative to ousting the government to change the situation, he said.

Mosharraf said this at a programme in front of the party's Nayapaltan headquarters, marking the 87th birth anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised a day-long programme to mark the day.

Chhatra Dal President Kazi Rawnaqul Islam Srabon chaired the event, conducted by general secretary of the organisation Saif Mahmud Jewel.