BNP condemns BCL attack on DU students

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the ruling Awami League's true color has got exposed once again with an attack on demonstrating students on the Dhaka University campus by the party’s student front Bangladesh Chhatra League. "Awami League's character has got exposed with what happened at Dhaka University. There's nothing new in it for Chhatra League as they frequently beat teachers and students in the past," he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters in front of Banani Graveyard in Dhaka after distributing warm clothes among the destitute, marking the third death anniversary of his party founder Ziaur Rahman's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. He alleged that whenever democratic forces had taken stance against the Dhaka University's dictatorial authorities, they came under attack by the Chhatra League. The top BNP leader also alleged that the ruling party student body had spoiled the academic atmosphere at every educational institution across the country with their destructive activities. "They (Chhatra League men) want to establish their control everywhere in the country and society by force. It can't be accepted. People will surely end it by defeating them." At least 10 Dhaka University students were hurt in an attack on them allegedly by some leaders and activists of Chhatra League on Tuesday on the campus. They reportedly assaulted the agitating students who besieged DU Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman for four hours at his office to press home their various demands. Turning to the 11th parliamentary polls issue, Fakhrul said the country's people would not participate in it unless an election-time supporting government is put in place. He also alleged that the government is desperate to foil the next general elections in fear of facing a humiliating defeat. The BNP secretary general also said their party wants to join the polls under a non-party neutral administration, not under the Awami League-led government. He came down hard on the government for arresting their party chairperson's advisor Taimur Alam Khandaker, saying the main motive behind the arrest is to keep BNP away from the election. Earlier in the day, Fakhrul along with party leaders and activists went to Koko's grave and offered prayers for the departed soul.