Govt's conspiracy behind Tarique's long exile: BNP

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged on Monday its acting chairman Tarique Rahman has long been in exile being subjected to the government's political vengeance, reports UNB.

"Today, we remember the day when Tarique Rahman was released from Jail. I think, he is not yet physically fit as he has long been in exile and he can't return home as he was implicated in various false cases," he said.

The BNP leader made the comments while speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office in the city marking the day when Tarique Rahman was released from jail in 2008.

He further said, "Tarique Rahman has also been implicated in the August 21 grenade attack case out of a political conspiracy. It has manifested the government's political retribution."

Tarique, arrested on March 7 after the 1/11 political changeover, was released on bail on September 3 the following year.

About Khaleda Zia's conviction in Zia orphanage trust case, Fakhrul said his chairperson has been kept in jail unlawfully in a 'false' case.

"She is not being released even after bail granted by the High Court," said the BNP leader.

The government sent Khaleda to jail through a planned legal process as it fears her immense popularity.

"We would like to say Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have become the victims of an individual's serious anger and revenge," he said.

In another programme, Mirza Fakhrul voiced frustration over the Prime Minister's comment on the 11th parliamentary polls, saying it has manifested the government's intention of establishing a one-party rule instead of ensuring an inclusive election.

Talking to reporters after attending a programme at Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) auditorium, he said the nation has got disappointed with Sheikh Hasina's press conference comments as she turned down people's main demand of holding the next polls under a non-party administration.

"The Prime Minister is pursuing a path of establishing a one-party rule. We didn't find her intention of accepting people's verdict. She also has no plan to take steps for creating a level-playing field and equal scope for all the parties to ensure a participatory election," he said.

The BNP leader alleged the government has again started arresting BNP leaders and activists across the country to hold a lopsided election. "A fair election can't be held if you (Awami League) carry out unilateral campaign by arresting opposition leaders and activists."

Fakhrul said people had an expectation that the Prime Minister at her Sunday's Press conference would come up with some positive comments on creating a democratic atmosphere for holding a credible election in the greater interest of people, but she has failed to do so.

"The Prime Minister's comments over people's rights and the national election have frustrated the entire nation. Holding a fair election under an impartial government is now people's main demand, but she has rejected it as she said everything will happen as per the constitution," he observed.

The BNP leader said the constitution is a manmade document, and it can be amended anytime in people's interest. "You (govt) have repeatedly amended the constitution to protect your own interests."

Sought his comment on the Prime Minister's refusal to hold any dialogue with BNP, Fakhrul said she did the same in 2012-13, but finally forced to invite Khaleda Zia for talks.

He also said they will unite people and realise their all demands by foiling the government's all 'evil designs'. "People are our strength."

Earlier, speaking at Youth Forum's Bangladesh Youth Parliament programme at the SCBA auditorium, Fakhrul urged the young generation to come up to take the country forward, and build a happy prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.

He criticised the government for what he said repressing those students who waged movements seeking quota reform and safe roads.

Fakhrul urged the youths to turn around braving all obstacles to take the country to the right track.