BNP-led 20-party alliance for united movement to unseat govt

Accusing the government of trying to cement its ‘illegal and unethical power’ by making various laws and policies, leaders of the BNP-led 20-party alliance on Tuesday said there is no alternative to unseating it through a fierce and united movement. Addressing a rally at the city’s Suhrawardy Udyan, they also demanded the government immediately annul the National Broadcast Policy, 2014 as they said it has been framed to restore one-party Baksal rule to gag the media as done in 1975. BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the government using Rab and police and the ruling party ‘cadres’ are killing and repressing people. “The government has established a reign of terror across the country to perpetuate its rule.” The BNP spokesman said the 20-party’s movement is not for going to power or making Khaleda Zia Prime Minister rather it is for protecting people’s rights, democracy, the country and its independence and sovereignty. About the broadcast policy, Fakhrul said Awami League which does not believe in democracy has framed the policy so that no one can criticise their misdeeds, and control the media and TV talk-shows. Slamming the government for its move to restore parliament’s power to remove Supreme Court judges through the 16th amendment to the constitution, he said the decision of parliament which has no representation of people and which was not formed with the votes of even five per cent voters will be considered as the decision of Awami League. The 20-party alliance arranged the rally as part of its countrywide programme protesting the National Broadcast Policy. The rally began at Suhrawardy Udyan around 2:50pm with recitation from the Holy Quran by Ulema Dal president Moulana Abdul Malek. Dhaka city unit BNP convener Mirza Abbas presided. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was scheduled to address the rally as the chief guest, did not turn up it due to ‘illnesses’, said Abbas. He also, on behalf of Khaleda, regretted for the absence of the party high command, according to a news agency.