Main opposition BNP claimed that the government has violated the constitution by imposing ban on meetings and rallies citing degradation of law and order situation of the country.
BNP Standing Committee member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday came up with the allegation while addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club demanding release of the party’s joint secretary general Barkatullah Bulu.
Mosharraf said: “The government has imposed ban on meetings and rallies not to maintain law and order situation but in fear of anti-government demonstrations led by the opposition party men and people of the country.”
“As per country’s constitution, all people have the right of holding meetings, rallies and processions and by imposing ban on such activities, the government has violated the charter,” he added.
Mentioning that repression on opposition men cannot stop the anti-government movement, the politician said: “In one hand, the government is shedding crocodile tears for establishing democracy and on the other hand, they are filing false cases against the opposition men to eliminate the opposition force from the country.”
Regarding the issue of holding the next national elections under a nonpartisan government, the BNP leader said when Awami League was the main opposition party back in 1996, they claimed that the caretaker government system is essential for the country as the two major political parties do not trust each other.
“We still believe that the two major parties do not trust each other. Then how a fair election is possible under a partisan government,” he said.
Stressing on the necessity of holding the next national elections under a non-partisan government, Musharraf said: “Despite of the fascist attitude of the government, the next elections will be held under a non-partisan government. If the government thinks that imposing ban on rallies and meetings, the government will manage to grip to power, they are wrong. Their day-dream will never come true.”
Addressing the government, the opposition man said: “You said written proposal for holding dialogue, will be sent to BNP within 24 hours.”
“Where the letter of dialogue is?” he asked.