BNP resorting to 'militant-style' acts, says Quader

The attack on the police from BNP chief Khaleda Zia's motorcade is a clear sign that the party is resorting to militant-like violence, according to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, reports bdnews24.com.

"They vandalised a police van in a militant style," he said at a discussion on Wednesday referring to the incident outside the High Court the previous day.

The BNP, however, claimed the attackers were intruders, not its activists.

Quader said the BNP was hatching another conspiracy ahead of the national election.

"They have attacked police just like the militants do. This is beyond any democratic practice, but they claim to establish democracy."

Referring to BNP's meeting with Dhaka-based diplomats on Tuesday, the senior Awami League leader said: "The BNP has so far been complaining only against the government. Now they have taken up the court verdict issue with foreigners."

"It only reflects the party's political bankruptcy."

The court's verdict will be based on evidence, he said. "Will the foreigners influence the court?"

A Dhaka court is expected to hand down its verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against Khaleda on February 8.

Advising ruling party activists, Quader said: "We will not instigate them, but will not spare them if attacked. Be prepared."