The AL-led 14-party combine yesterday urged law enforcement agencies to take a stern stand against saboteurs active during the non-stop blockade enforced across the country by the BNP-led 20-party alliance
In statements made at a rally in front of the Shia Mosque in Mohammadpur in the capital yesterday evening, they asked local leaders and activists of member parties to be vigilant.
Health Minister Mohammad Nasim said: “No fruitful result will come of sabotage and the killing of innocent people, mostly workers who live from hand to mouth.
“If you [Khaleda] lead such terrorist activities, the country’s people and law enforcement agencies will force you to face trial.”
He asked Khaleda to withdraw the non-stop blockade before the start of SSC examinations scheduled to start on February 2, saying the country’s schools would be guarded during Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.
Nasim, an AL presidium member, said: “Khaleda Zia is giving orders to have innocent people killed. If she continues, she must take responsibility and face trial as the mastermind of the killings.”
Warning BNP chief Khaleda Zia, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President and Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, said: “If you do not stop this terrorism, you will face a tough situation.”
Inu said: “Khaleda is not the ‘Desh Netri’ [a sobriquet meaning Leader of the Country given by her supporters], she is the queen of terrorists and militants.”
Workers Party General Secretary Fazle Hossain Badsha accused Khaleda of having no love for Bangladesh, and having only Pakistan in her heart.
At a function to mark Police Week 2015 on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the police to take whatever steps necessary to restore order: “I will take responsibility for whatever happens. But you must ensure the security of the lives and property of the common people.”
