Dhaka
AL trying to keep opposition parties away from election: BNP.

AL trying to keep opposition parties away from election: BNP

Dhaka

BD Correspondent:

The Awami League government has been trying to keep opposition parties out of the national election—and for that reason they are concocting various conspiracies, BNP leaders allege.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said: "When BNP supporters gathered at their main office, police and some individuals attacked them. Police are also filing various cases against opposition party leaders and activists."

He said this as a special guest at a discussion marking the 42nd anniversary of the death of veteran politician Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani—held at National Press Club, in Dhaka, on Thursday.

Abdullah Al Noman, another BNP vice chairman said: "We urge the government to ensure a level-playing field so that a participatory election is conducted.

He urged the government to release Khaleda Zia, inquiring about how the election can be held without the participation of the thrice-elected former prime minister. He also said they will participate in the election by overcoming barriers imposed upon them.

Another BNP vice chairman Habibur Rahman Habib said BNP activists did not instigate Wednesday’s incident. He claimed Awami League wanted to keep BNP out of the election; therefore they were the ones who could have done it [the violence].

"We want to participate in the election. Why would we resort to violence now? When Awami League saw that many BNP leaders were purchasing numerous nomination forms they were worried," he further said.

The BNP leaders then praised Maulana Bhashani, popularly known as Majlum Jananeta, as a great man and said he was the first national leader for the country's freedom. Then they also offered a doa prayer for Bhashani there.