BNP making preparations to unleash violence

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said the BNP is preparing to unleash violence and arson attacks behind the facade of road march.

"The BNP can call for a movement, but people will not let their movement become successful. Their movement has failed… Their road march is their march towards fall," he said.

The road transport and bridges minister was addressing a "peace rally" in front of the AL central office in the capital's Gulistan yesterday. The Dhaka City (south) AL organised the event aimed at counteracting the BNP's protest rally in Shyamoli.

Addressing the foreign ambassadors, Quader said, "No matter how many complaints the BNP makes, I want to assure our foreign friends that the next election will be free, fair, unbiased and participatory. You do not have to worry about that."

The AL has been holding events that "coincide" with BNP programmes since December 10, when the opposition party held a large rally in the capital.

Quader yesterday said, "Those who are organising programmes blocking traffic will face people's wrath. We will break the arms that set fire.

"The warm up session is going on. The final game is yet to be played," he said.

Awami League Presidium Member Quamrul Islam said, "The caretaker government issue is dead. People do not want restoration of the caretaker government system."

The Jubo League also held a rally in the city's Kajla area.