The Awami League-led 14-party alliance will hold a nationwide mass rally on February 20 to protest violence, terrorism and militancy allegedly committed by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.
In the capital, the procession is scheduled to begin at 4pm from Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue and end at Shika Chirantan, the eternal flame, in the Suhrawardy Udyan.
Awami League Presidium member Mohammad Nasim, who is also the spokesperson of the alliance made the announcement yesterday at a press briefing at party chief Sheikh Hasina’s political office in Dhanmondi.
Nasim said the rally would be held to unite people against the anarchy created by the BNP-Jamaat alliance.
“No dialogue will be held with BNP-Jamaat,” he said, adding that the killers of 1971 and 1975 must be tried.
The main objective of the BNP is to protect Jamaat-e-Islami, Nasim, also the health minister, said at the briefing after a meeting of the 14 parties, presided over by Awami League Presidium Member Tofail Ahmed.
In reply to a question, Tofail said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had declared jihad along with Jammat against the country’s development and people.
“Pakistan is giving all sorts of cooperation in this regard, which has been published in mass media,” he said.
Tofail further claimed that not only the European Union or the United States is concerned over the militant activities centring the BNP-Jammat blockade and hartal, but the 14-party alliance is anxious as well.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal chief and Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said no democratic party could hold dialogue with BNP-Jamaat because of their terrorist activities around the country.
“The BNP-Jamaat militants and saboteurs are demons and enemies of humanity. Talks can be held only after resisting them,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua and Communist Kendra Convener Wazedul Islam Khan among others.
