Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleged on Monday that the government is trying to impose one-party rule in the country in the name of democracy.
Secretary General of the party Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation while addressing a rally marking the country's Independence Day, organised by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddah Dal, in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office in the city.
"This Awami League deceived the country's people in 1975 through introducing a one-party BAKSAL rule. This time also in the name of democracy they (AL) have started imposing one-party rule in the country," he said.
"We participated in the War of Liberation with a certain goal and that goal is to have an independent democratic Bangladesh where people could elect their representatives freely. The people of the country supported the war with a hope that they (people) could have also their freedom of speech and express views and write freely," he maintained.
"The Constitution of the country clearly says that the people of the country are the owner of Bangladesh. But even after 52 years of the country's independence the people have lost their rights to vote," he continued.
Alleging the government for creating situation so that people could not cast their votes he said, "None was participated (BNP and other parties didn't take part) in 2014 election. They arranged election during night in 2018. And this time (election on January 7, 2024) they themselves conducted the election by nominating dummy candidates," he continued.
"None accepted this election (on January 7, 2024). People of the country could not cast their votes and more than that the world didn't accept this election," he said.
Mr Fakhrul further said, "They (ruling AL) have no moral, legal and constitutional rights (to govern)."
Vice-President of BNP Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the rally.
Senior joint secretary general of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the opening remarks at the event.
He said that there is no alternative but to topple down the government through movement.
"This illegal government has destabilised our independence and they are set to sell our country's sovereignty just to get back their illegitimate power and also to protect a neighbouring country's interests," he said.
"We must stand up against the government," he continued.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com