BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abedin Farroque has demanded an explanation from the government as to why the cause of the fire at the Secretariat has not been determined, even three days after the incident. He also called for the immediate disclosure of the names of those responsible for the fire.
Farroque made these remarks on Saturday morning at a protest rally organized by the Grassroots Citizens’ Movement in front of the National Press Club.
The rally was held to demand the arrest of collaborators of the Awami League government.
Expressing concern, Farroque said: “If collaborators of the autocracy are not removed from the Secretariat, conspirators may engage in further mischief, not just fires. They are trying to undermine the government.”
The BNP leader added: “Certain elements of the state are conspiring to bring Sheikh Hasina’s government to power. However, betraying the blood of the martyrs of the movement will not be tolerated. If the government wants to unite the nation, it must swiftly announce a roadmap for elections.”
He further said: “Sheikh Hasina has never paid heed to the people's words. Her agenda was to destroy the BNP. Yet, she has fled now. People are now questioning whether such incidents are part of a conspiracy to reinstate the previous government.”
On Wednesday at 1:52am, a fire broke out in Building 7 of the Secretariat. After six and a half hours of efforts by 19 units of the Fire Service, the blaze was brought under control. The fire destroyed the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth floors of the building.
