Fakhrul: PM’s remark is threat to democracy

He said: “On the first day of the national council of Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League wants to establish democracy in the country, but at the concluding ceremony of the council, she clearly said that BNP won’t be allowed to come to power. In addition, she also said in the next election, AL must remain in power at any cost. The remark clears it all what they want and what their aim is.” The BNP secretary general came up with the allegation yesterday while addressing a programme as the chief guest at Dhaka Reporters Unity. The event was organised to commemorate the 15th death anniversary of BNP leader Akhtar Ahmed Siddique. “Awami League-led government is ruling the country unethically and they have broken all the pillars of democracy. They have snatched away people’s freedom of expression, right to vote, right to hold rally and protest. They are such an authoritarian government who resorts to falsity and unethical strategies at every moment only to divert people’s attention from their misdeeds,” he said. “In between 1972 to 1975, this party (AL) had destroyed the democracy of the country. Due to their tyranny, the country had to face a terrible famine. At that time they at last resorted to one-party rule as the government failed in all sectors of the state,” he said. Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s statement asking party activists to take preparations for next election, Fakhrul said, “Why do you need to take preparation for next election? You went to power last time using state power. There is no requirement for a vote, just announce the result and say AL will go to power.”