Strengthening movement only aim: BNP

The BNP plans to step up its ongoing agitation for a fresh national election under a non-party caretaker government, party leaders say. Party’s spokesperson Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the government of creating a ‘stifling atmosphere’ in the country. He spoke to reporters before paying respects to BNP-founder Ziaur Rahman. Former president Zia was killed in a coup on this day in Chittagong in 1981. Mirza Alamgir described Ziaur Rahman as the ‘architect of a new Bangladesh’ and the one who ‘introduced multi-party democracy to the country. ‘Today, democracy is dead,’ he said. He alleged the government was suppressing the opposition party only to ensure its long stay in power. ‘The only way to oust this government is through demonstrations,’ Mirza Alamgir said. ‘Our only goal is to establish a government of the people through an election under a non-party caretaker government.’ The BNP has planned out a 14-day programme to mark Zia’s death anniversary. The party flag has been kept at half-mast in its offices. Mirza Alamgir also inaugurated a blood donation initiative marking the day, according to bdnews24.com.