BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday again threatened to launch a tougher movement against the government if it does not arrange a midterm election.
She, however, did not announce a deadline in this regard.
Khaleda made the warning while addressing a grand rally of her party at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital.
Saying that extremism and terrorism in country might be fueled by the anarchy and muscle flexing of the ruling party’s one party regime, she added that majority of the countrymen were in favor of her party. The former premier once again called upon the government to arrange a dialogue for an election where all political parties will participate.
She also claimed: “BNP is a moderate democratic party. In general we do want to go for a movement, conflict with government, illegal agitation or anarchy. But, now the illegal Awami League government has forced us to launch tougher moments.
“We are still urging the government to arrange open talks with political parties for an all-party inclusive election. This is the most appropriate time for talks. Before the January 5 election, the prime minister said they will arrange a midterm election basis on dialogue. But, she had refused to hold the dialogue now and paid no heed to our requests.
“I am, however, warning the government that the public will not wait forever. If the government does not arrange an election now, we will be forced to start tougher movements as per the public demand,” Khaleda said.
The Awami League came to power for a second consecutive term after the January 5 general elections this year, while the BNP-led alliance boycotted.
The AL party leaders have ruled out the possibility of a dialogue with BNP for an early election now. Amid growing threats from BNP to oust the government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dismissed the possibility of any dialogue between her and the BNP chief.
Khaleda Zia said the country is now moving abnormally and the value of democracy and law has been lost.
