The BNP yesterday said the government had signed a deal with a Chinese company to construct Padma Bridge just to plunder money from the project.
“Why did not they sign the deal with the World Bank? The government did not do so, as the World Bank would not allow for any corruption. Now they have devised a system for corruption,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the party, said.
He made the comment while addressing a discussion at the National Press Club in the capital.
The BNP leader also said as the government wanted to legitimise it through holding talks it proved that it is an illegal government.
“But we are ready to hold talks with the illegal government to resolve the prevailing political crisis,” he said.
Heath Minister Mohammad Nasim on Tuesday said dialogue can take place only when legitimacy would be given to the government but in a normal situation there is no possibility of holding dialogue before next general election.
Fakhrul once again called upon the government to hold a “meaningful dialogue” in order to organise a fresh election.
He said: “Still there is time. We want meaningful dialogue with the government in a bid to organise fresh elections. We want elections immediately after reaching an understanding.”
Addressing the government, the BNP leader said: “You should stop the killings, abductions and repression. Take initiative to hold a participatory and credible election immediately through meaningful talks.”
Terming the government an unacceptable one, Fakhrul said: “Ninety Five percent of people in the country boycotted the January 5 election responding to Khaleda’s call. So, the government should hold talks with her as 95% of the population are with her.”
He said: “The prime minister has claimed that Khaleda is no more the opposition leader. But we want to say that Hasina is also not the premier as only 5% of the people voted for her.”
Regarding the killings in Bihari camp, Fakhrul said: “According to different newspapers’ reports, the probe committee report mentioned that the fire was started deliberately in the presence of the police.”
