Target was Khaleda Zia\\\'s motorcade, says Fakhrul

Holding the government responsible for violence at Bakshibazar in the capital, BNP alleged Wednesday that their chairperson Khaleda Zia's motorcade was the main target of the ruling party men during the attack, reports UNB.
"During the attack, their (ruling party men) was our leader's (Khaleda's) motorcade. You (journalists) have witnessed they had launched the attack just 5-7 minutes before her motorcade reached the court," said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Addressing a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader alleged that Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jubo League (JL) activists, led by BCL president Bodiuzzaman Shohag, had planned to attack Khaleda's motorcade.
He said law enforcers on Khaleda's way to Bakshibazar makeshift court from her Gulshan residence obstructed her motorcade at every signal point and tried to separate her vehicle from her security personnel causing delay in her court appearance.
The BNP spokesman claimed that the ruling party men having failed to attack her motorcade due to spontaneous presence of thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters, they without any provocation attacked the common people and the party activists with the help of the law enforcers, leaving over 600 injured, including 100 seriously.
The BNP leader said the current 'illegal' government has resorted to violence to subdue the opposition's movement in a bid to prolong its power as it got isolated from people. "Today's attack has seriously exposed its evil intention."
Asked about the attack on ruling party MP Chhabi Biswas and his vehicle, Mirza Fakhrul said the government and the ruling party must shoulder the responsibility for the attack as they created the violence.
He further said an investigation is needed to carry out to find out whether the ruling party men were involved in it.
Claiming sure victory in their ongoing movement, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia hoped Tuesday night that 2015 will be the year of democracy and development.  "The current government is unelected, illegal and unrepresentative one. It has snatched people's voting and basic rights.
The country is now on the verge of destruction as killings, forced disappearances and looting are the main principles of the regime," she said.  Khaleda further said, "Now we all must get united to get rid of it.  If we can wage a united movement we believe our victory is certain, Insallah, as people are with us."
The BNP chief came up with the high hope while exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community marking the Xmas Day and coming New Year 2015 at her Gulshan office.  She also cut a cake celebrating the Xmas while leaders of Bangladesh Christians' Association presented her a bouquet on the occasion.  
Depicting the country's sorry state, Khaleda Zia said there is no peace and security of people of any community in the country.  "We're going through a very hard time. No one will be able to realise in what terrible condition we're passing days. Most of our leaders and activists have been implicated in false cases," she said adding that 59 cases were filed against BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alone.
"So, democracy must be restored to ensure peace and prosperity for people," the former PM added.
Mentioning that BNP has respect for all religions, she said the people of all religions and their worship places and houses come under attack when Awami League comes to power.  Khaleda said they want peace and unity among people to take the country forward and ensure its development.