BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has claimed that the drives against illegal casinos may not continue because it will only expose Awami League members and ruin government's image crisis.
He made the statement while addressing a human chain organized by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, BNP’s labour wing, demanding unconditional release of their Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Addressing the program in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday, he said: "The government started the drive against illegal casinos after 11 years of being in office. Names of their leaders are getting exposed due to this drives.”
Nazrul, member of the BNP National Standing Committee, added: “The more these drives continue, the more Awami league, Jubo League and Chhatra league leaders will be exposed.
“That is why the government will not continue the drive.”
Since September 18, law enforcement agencies have been conducting raids and shutting down illegal casinos across Bangladesh. Several people, including some Jubo League leaders, were also arrested in these drives.
Earlier on Tuesday, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud claimed that Jubo League leader GK Shamim, who was arrested for illegal possession of narcotics and firearms and money laundering charges, used to give BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman Tk1 crore every month.
Brushing off Hasan Mahmud’s claims, Nazrul said: "You [Awami League] have been in power for the last 11 year, and have occupied high positions in every institution across Bangladesh.”
"Why would a leader from your [Awami League’s] organization send money to Tarique Rahman?"
Regarding HT Imam’s comment about arrestees being former BNP and Jamaat activists, he said: "Why have you recruited from BNP? Why have you empowered them? Do not corrupt politicians.”
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Moin Khan and Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain also spoke at the human chain program.