Nobody will put you in power, join elections

Conspiracies are being hatched but no external forces will put BNP in power, said 14-party alliance leaders yesterday, urging the opposition party to take part in the next national election.

They said this while speaking at a "peace rally" organised by the ruling Awami League-led combine protesting the "terror and anarchy" by BNP.

Awami League led 14-party alliance held a “peace” rally protesting the “terror and anarchy” of BNP in Amir Complex area of Uttara. Photo: Collected

"They [BNP] are lodging complaints with foreigners thinking that they will put them in power. No one will be able to put you in power without an election," SM Mannan Kachi, general secretary of Dhaka city (north) AL, told the rally in Amir Complex area of the capital's Uttara.

He alleged that BNP and Jamaat want to halt the democratic process and the development trend of the country in the name of movement. They want to assume power without taking part in polls.

To "counter" BNP's yesterday's processions, the alliance on Thursday night said they would hold the "peace rally" in Uttara.

Addressing the event, AL leader Amir Hossain Amu, also the coordinator and spokesperson for the alliance, said, "Sheikh Hasina did not come to power with the favour of anyone; she was voted to power by the people. Those who are afraid of being defeated in the polls are now conspiring to foil the election.

"The BNP cannot tolerate the progress of Bangladesh. That is why they have taken to the streets to stop the development trend. The Awami League must remain united. We will have to unitedly resist those who are dreaming of coming to power following an unconstitutional path."

Bangladesh Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said the BNP is not preparing for the election, rather it has resorted to "arson violence" like it did in 2013-14. The party is asking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down, which is an unconstitutional demand.

He alleged that conspiracies are afoot at home and abroad to unseat Hasina.

Dilip Barua, general secretary of Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal, said BNP and Jamaat once again want to stop the development trend of the country by bringing in an unelected government.

AL presidium member Quamrul Islam said the election will be held in time no matter which party takes part in it or not.

Shirin Akhtar, general secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and AL Liberation War Affairs Secretary Mrinal Kanti Das also spoke at the programme, among others.