Solution lies in Hasina\\\'s resignation, says BNP

Observing that the prime minister (PM) is a curse both for the nation as well as the Awami League (AL), BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Saturday it is only Sheikh Hasina's resignation that can help restore a healthy atmosphere in the country for holding a fair election, reports UNB.
"Sheikh Hasina has become a curse not only for Bangladesh but also for an old political party like Awami League. The country is reeling under killings, enforced disappearances, violence and bloodletting only because of her (Hasina)," he said.
Mr Rizvi came up with the remarks at a press briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office.
He alleged all the democratic institutions are being destroyed due to the PM's spiteful politics.
"It's possible to restore peace in the country and thus hold a fair election right now if she (Hasina) quits. You won't be able to face the mass upsurge when the people's pent-up anger will explode," the BNP leader said.
He also alleged the ruling party 'cadres' attacked a milad mahfil arranged Friday at the Shaheed Naziruddin Jehad's Ullapara village home in Sirajganj, marking his 24th death anniversary.
"This government not only snatched the opposition's democratic rights but is also attacking the religious programmes," Rizvi said.
Jehad, an activist of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was shot dead in the capital during the movement against autocratic Ershad on October 10, 1990.
JCD, the student associate body of BNP, and Shaheed Jehad Smriti Parishad observe October 10 as 'Shaheed Jehad Day'.
The BNP leader alleged the government has resorted to repressive acts like killing, enforced disappearance and filing of 'false' cases only to hang onto power.
Rizvi condemned the killing of Mirsarai Upazila Chhatra Dal leader Adil Mahmud Chowdhury.
Unidentified miscreants hacked to death Mahmud Thursday night at Bhorerbazar under Mirsarai Upazila in Chittagong.
Meanwhile, BNP leader Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah said Saturday Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina cannot pass the buck to Latif Siddique for his recent anti-Islamic remarks as he being a cabinet member carries collective responsibility in a parliamentary form of government.
"The prime minister and her cabinet must take the responsibility for its member's anti-Islamic statement," he said.
The BNP leader came up with the views while addressing a rally arranged by Swadhinata Forum (SF) at the Jatiya Press Club, terming disappointing the PM's statement blaming Latif Siddique alone for his wrongdoings.
Barrister Mia, also a BNP standing committee member, was critical of Latif Siddique and said a cabinet member who travels abroad spending taxpayers money has no right to hurt their religious sentiment.