The BNP has claimed that the government has no reason to be afraid of BNP’s movement as its upcoming programmes would be peaceful.
“We will bring out processions, we will stage demonstrations. But those programmes will be peaceful. You [government] are enjoying comfort and should continue to live in comfort,” Mirza Abbas, convener of BNP’s Dhaka city unit, said after holding a meeting with the unit’s leaders at the capital’s Bhasani Auditorium.
Ahead of the meeting, a large number of police was deployed in front of the city BNP office, who barred leaders and activists from taking position in front of the office.
Criticising the government for deploying additional forces in front of the office, Abbas said: “We are just holding a meeting and in such a situation police took an armed position. They did not allow anyone to stand in front of the office. If they [government] get scared about such a small meeting then what will they do in the days ahead?”
In reaction to ruling party leaders’ claims that the BNP did not have any capacity to wage a movement, the BNP leader said: “If we do not have any capacity to wage movement, then why are you taking such preparations? Please do not gag democracy, rather let it go on its way.”
Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said they have been reorganising the party and their upcoming movement would be peaceful. “But the government would be responsible if it tries to obstruct our peaceful programme.”
He said a silent black flag procession will begin from the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters on August 16 at 3pm.
