Govt wants to reestablish one-party rule, says BNP

Opposing the government move to restore parliament's power to remove Supreme Court judges, BNP said on Monday that the decision was taken to reestablish one-party rule, reports UNB.

"The government move to restore parliament's power to impeach the SC judges through the 16th amendment aimed at reestablishing one-party Baksal rule", said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave along with the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Swechhasebok Dal marking its 34th founding anniversary.

The BNP spokesman also alleged that the government is repeatedly trying to confuse people by spreading false propaganda involving BNP in militancy and terrorism.

He also claimed that the ruling party is carrying out such false campaign to destroy BNP.

Criticising Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful's remarks that BNP is an organisation of international terrorist group he said such remarks from a responsible politician like Ashraful is not only detrimental to politics but also harmful for the country.

"BNP is a democratic political party and its chairperson Khaleda Zia is the wife of a freedom fighter, so, there is no room for militancy in the party. Those who tried to spread militancy Khaleda Zia contained them and punished them."

He said Awami League being alienated from people is trying to hang on to power with their muscle power and arms. "Their main target is to establish autocracy in the country", he added.

Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah said Monday Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina is running the government with those who were involved in Bangabandhu's assassination.

"It's not Ziaur Rahman, but many of those with whom Sheikh Hasina has formed the government were involved in the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," Rafiqul, also a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while addressing a discussion arranged by Dhaka city south unit of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) at the Jatiya Press Club in the city Monday.

The BNP leader said the ruling party and its top leaders are spreading lies against BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman to malign him.

He claimed Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad is speaking in favour of Hasina and her government just to save him from the general Manzur murder case. "Ershad has given up everything for his personal gains."

Rafiqul said the government has framed the National Broadcasting Policy, 2014 to hide its misdeeds. "There'll be no rule of law, democracy and sovereignty in the country, if this policy is implemented."

He also alleged that the policy was formulated as part of the government's plot to re-establish one-party Baksal rule by gagging the media and snatching the freedom of expression.

The senior lawyer further claimed that the law enforcers are making false charge sheets against BNP leaders and activists just to appease the PM.

Mentioning that no repressive and illegal regime could hang onto power in the past against people's will, he urged the party leaders and activists to wage a strong street movement to ensure the fall of the current government