BNP trying to destabilise country: Hanif

The ruling Awami League alleged that the BNP was trying to destabilise the country through its movement, as a rally of the ruling party was under way in front of the its central office in Gulistan this afternoon.

Speaking at the rally, organised by the party's Dhaka city (south) unit, AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said, "Today's event reminded me of the August 21 grenade attack.... BNP speaks of democracy, human rights and rule of law. But where was its sense of human rights on August 21?

"Now they have started the game of movement.... they want a change in power not through election but by destabilising the country through the movement. Because they know they are not popular, they know they have no chance of winning the election. So, they don't want elections."

In response to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's statement -- that the government is trying to break their alliance, he said, "Mr Fakhrul ! Awami League is the largest political party in the country. Awami League is not worried about the alliance ... Your alliance will be broken if you do not come to the election."

He added, "To retain the existence of your party, participate in the next elections that will take place in line with the constitution. Otherwise, you will plunge into existential crisis.

"I would like to say to the leaders and activists [of AL], stay united to resist BNP-Jamaat and ensure the victory of Awami League in the next elections," he added.