BNP an illegal party: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has termed Bangladesh Nationalist Party as an illegal organisation founded by a military ruler who seized power illegally. “Its unfortunate for the people of Bangladesh to hear theories  from those who have been illegal,” she told the newly elected Upazila Parishad representatives at Ganobhavan on Saturday. The premier said “The higher court has declared illegal the rule of Ziaur Rahman who grabbing power illegally and formed his party BNP.” "So, a party formed by such an illegal grabber of power is also illegal,” Hasina said. Hasina, who is also the Awami League chief, was addressing the newly elected Upazila Parishad Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and female Vice Chairmen who met her at her Official Ganobhaban on Saturday afternoon. Referring to the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman and top BNP leaders, Hasina also said it was unfortunate for the people to hear theories about the country’s history of independence from those who belong to an unlawful party. She said Tarique has been a fugitive after he had left the country following the 1/11 changeover giving undertaking. “Now living abroad as a fugitive he is deliberately making irrational comments,” she said. The Prime Minister also alleged that Tarique plotted August 21 grenade attack on her rally that killed Ivy Rahman and many others. “Now attempts are being carried out to malign those who have earned the country’s independence through the War of Liberation,” according to a news agency.