Reign of terror everywhere, says Fakhrul

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged Tuesday that the current 'illegal' government has established a reign of terror everywhere in the country by resorting to killings, abductions and enforced disappearances only to hang onto power, reports UNB.

"We're now living in a dreadful suffocating situation. You've seen how nine people were killed in Mirpur in a locked-house fire," Mirza Fakhrul made the allegation while addressing a condolence meeting organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal at the National Press Club in the city Tuesday in memory of its former president and former MP Mahbubul Alam Tara.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that the government made all the institutions and organs of the state, including the administration, dysfunctional by using those on its political interests.

The BNP leader held the government responsible for the heinous murder incidents in Narayanganj, Feni and Mirpur.

He urged the BNP activists to get ready for a vigorous movement to restore stability and democracy in the country by unseating the current 'illegal' regime.

A special munajat was offered after the meeting seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Mahbubul Alam Tara.

Meanwhile, Claiming herself leader of the country's 95 per cent people, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said Monday night Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must engage in a dialogue with her for resolving the ongoing political crisis.

"I'm not the opposition leader, but I'm the leader of the country's people. The country's 95 per cent people are in favour of me. I would have been the Prime Minister, not the opposition leader, had there been a free, fair and inclusive election on January 5," she said this while exchanging views with a group of journalists. Khaleda came up with the reaction to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remark that there will be no talk with Khaleda as she is not the opposition leader.

The meeting was held at Khaleda's Gulshan office, marking the 'Black Day of the Newspapers'.

The BNP chief also claimed that 95 per cent people had boycotted the January-5 election responding to her call to do so. "You (Hasina) are a leader of the country's only five per cent people and the president of AL. You're not the Prime Minister of people. So, you must sit with me if you want to resolve the crisis."

Earlier Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a press conference on her recent China visit said there will be no dialogue with Khaleda as she is not the leader of the opposition in parliament.

Criticising the Prime Minister for what she said taking the responsibility of Narayanganj Osman family, the BNP chief said Sheikh Hasina is a leader of terrorists and godfathers not that of good people. "She (PM) is sheltering and pampering terrorists. She wants to remain the mother of godfathers."

About Mirpur Bihari Camp killings, Khaleda said the local ruling party MP Ilias Mollah was involved in the heinous murders.

He also voiced anger as the government is yet to arrest the MP despite his name has been surfaced in the media reports in this connection.

Khaleda also assured of holding a fair trial of the incident if her party is voted to power.

Justifying her party's demand for arranging a fresh national election, Khaleda also urged her party men to get ready for a strong movement to force the government to concede to their demand.