BNP asks govt to quit for mid-term polls

FE Team | Published: April 17, 2011 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Opposition BNP Saturday urged the government to quit power by offering mid-term election and withdraw "false" cases against Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko, reports UNB. Criticizing Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina's recent comments in the cabinet meeting regarding quick disposal of cases against Tarique and Koko, the BNP leaders said such directive was a "clear and naked interference" in the judiciary. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can't give such directives in the cabinet meeting. It's a naked interference in the judiciary. It proves that the judiciary is not independent at all," BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said at a rally in the city. Chaired by BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the rally was organized at Muktangon to protest the PM's remarks about the cases against Tarique and Koko. Senior BNP leaders MK Anwar, Abdullah Al Noman, Mirza Abbas, Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia, Begum Selima Rahman, Aman Ullah Aman, Begum Razia Fayez and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmad, Jubo Dal leader Moazzem Hossain Alal and Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel, among others, also spoke at the rally. Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain alleged that the government is hatching conspiracy against the "nationalist forces" to establish one-man rule. He, however, warned that the government would be forced to quit power by realizing mid-term election in the face of mass movement. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the government has betrayed the people by not fulfilling their basic rights. "Rice is being sold at Tk 50 per kg. Scarcity of electricity and gas is acute," he said. On PM's remarks, Fakhrul said, "Did she (PM) ever think how her comments are jeopardizing democracy? Tarique Rahman will definitely return to Bangladesh and lead the country's people." He further said: "The Prime Minister does not love the people and she does not want to see a happy and developed Bangladesh." Fakhrul urged the government to quit and hold mid-term election to bring the country back in the right track. He also urged all to get ready for movement against the government to establish people's right. BNP standing committee member MK Anwar said the PM is trying to make the country "a safe zone for criminals by withdrawing thousands of cases." He said Tarique Rahman is a victim of political vendetta and conspiracies are being hatched so that Tarique cannot return to the country. Criticizing the government move of amending the Constitution, MK Anwar wanted to know who gave them the mandate to amend the Constitution. Mirza Abbas said all the cases filed against BNP leaders including Tarique and Koko were pre-planned and urged the government to withdraw the cases. Abdullah Al Noman alleged that the government wants to isolate Tarique from the people through conspiracy, being afraid of his popularity. "We won't allow this to happen," he said. BNP joint secretary general Aman Ullah Aman said the Prime Minister's directive about Tarique and Koko cases proves that there is no rule of law in the country. "It's a naked interference in the judiciary."