Terming the government’s move to empower the parliament for impeaching Supreme Court judges a “conspiracy,” the BNP yesterday warned that it would wage a movement against the bill.
“It is an illegal government which has taken initiative to empower the parliament to impeach the judges. It is a conspiracy. Not only the judiciary but also other organisations, including Election Commission, Public Service Commission are related with the bill. If the bill is passed, then the judges would not be able to work independently,” said Mirza Abbas, convener of the BNP’s Dhaka city unit.
Addressing a rally organised by Dhaka city BNP at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital protesting the 16th amendment to the constitution, Abbas said: “What would happen to the judges who termed this prime minister wrong-headed? I do not know whether the judges can live in the country. If you stay in the country, leave soon.”
The BNP leader said a silence similar to a grave had been prevailing in the country and the ruling party leaders were only enjoying the silence.
“No matter what sorts of laws and regulations you are formulating, it is sure that nothing will be left unchallenged. We will wage non-violent movement and please [government] do not behave with us violently.”
Since the government’s move to empower the parliament for impeaching Supreme Court judges, the BNP has been opposing it, saying the government wanted to establish its absolute control over the judiciary and try the opposition men.
About the prime minister’s statement on hartal, Abbas said: “The prime minister has said if people wanted, then law will be formulated to ban hartal. I will say people do not want you. Leave the office.”
Rafiqul Islam Miah, a member of the party’s standing committee, said the government had taken the initiative to amend the constitution to establish its full control over the judiciary.
“People have to raise voice against this move and the government would be ousted through the movement.”
He said all the constitution experts, including Dr Kamal Hossain and Amirul Islam, and senior lawyers had taken a stand against the government’s move.
Joynal Abedin, adviser to the BNP chairperson and former president of Supreme Court Lawyers Association, said the way the government was moving forward, it would be compelled to step down by January 31.