Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque has said only the BNP leaders and activists who committed crimes have been arrested.
"No crackdown is being carried out against the BNP. Their workers are being encouraged to engage in criminal activities, which is unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring people's safety. They provide security for people's vehicles and assist shop owners in keeping their shops open during blockades. If the shops are closed, the employees will starve,” the agriculture minister said while replying to questions from journalists at a rally in Tangail on Friday.
The agriculture minister said: "Today, the political party (BNP) is causing unrest and engaging in criminal activities in the country. They oppose elections, which, as per the constitution, hinders the country's progress. It seems they do not wish for the country's well-being.
BNP’s past actions include derailing trains, damaging railway lines, snapping power lines, and even pushing people into moving vehicles. On October 28, they also murdered a police constable, Dr Razzaque added.
The agriculture minister hopes that the BNP will leave the path of arson and violence, and participate in the elections.