20-party alliance announces 3-day protest programme

The BNP-led 20-party alliance announced Monday a three-day programme in protest against forced disappearances and the government move to empower parliament to impeach Supreme Court judges, reports UNB.

BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office.

He said the 20-party alliance leaders and activists will stage demonstrations in all district towns and cities, except Dhaka city today (Tuesday) and hold protest processions and rallies at 15 points of the capital on Wednesday protesting the government decision of re-empowering parliament to remove Supreme Court judges.

The cabinet on August 18 approved the proposal for amendment to the Constitution for empowering parliament to impeach the Supreme Court judges for misconduct or incapacity.

The 20-party alliance will also form human chains in all district towns and cities, including Dhaka, on Saturday (Aug 30) marking the 'International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance.

Addressing the briefing, Rizvi said although the Constitution ensured the independence of the judiciary, the government is trying to re-empower parliament to sack judges in a bid to establish its absolute control over the judiciary and the judges. "This law will ensure the Prime Minister's power to control the judges."