Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) urged on Monday the countrymen to rise up to topple the government for restoring democracy in the country.
"We must restore democracy by ousting the government through rising of the people," BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in front of the party's Nayapaltan headquarters in the capital.
"People of the country have started expressing their anger as the government has kept Begum Khaleda Zia confined to her house. The government tries to mislead people about her release. They (the government) are coward. They (government) know it very well that their thrown will be broken down if Begum Zia gets well through advanced treatment," he said.
"Khaleda Zia is the first woman freedom fighter. They did not participate in the Liberation War; rather they were taking the feast provided by the then Pakistani government," he added.
"This government is for the looters. They (government) built houses at Begum Para in Canada," he said, also alleging that the government helped siphon off Tk250 billion abroad whereas a farmer was dragged away with rope on his waist for not repaying a loan of Tk25, 000 only.
"It is now difficult for farmers to survive. We (BNP) called upon the government to provide subsidy to the farmers. But they (government) took away for themselves. Labourers also don't get their right wages," he said.
Mr Fakhrul also alleged that the government does not give people jobs while unemployed youths have to pay Tk two million for getting a job.
He accused the government of refusing permission for Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad by showing different tactics.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com