Ruling Awami League on Saturday vowed to resist the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its anti-government activities.
“We cannot make them (BNP) rise further….it must be resisted,” AL general secretary Obaidul Quader said while addressing a peace rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.
Terming the BNP a communal force, the AL spokesperson urged the pro-liberation forces to face the evil force unitedly.
Hinting at the recently held national elections, he said that a game has already been over.
“Now a fresh game of politics will start against corruption, communalism, militancy, hartal and arson attack. Evil forces will not be spared. We will give a befitting reply to all the conspirators,” he said.
Within three weeks after the 12th parliamentary polls, both the AL and BNP took to the street on the day with their respective political actions and declared fresh programmes for January 30, the day coincides with the journey of the 12th parliament.
The BNP, which boycotted the January 7 polls, announced nationwide ‘black flag’ processions on January 30, demanding the cancellation of the ‘dummy parliament’ and new elections under a non-partisan caretaker government. Protesting at the BNP’s programme, the ruling camp also declared its countrywide programme on that day so that none could create unrest in the country in the name of political actions.
“A rally for peace, democracy and development will be held across the country on January 30 and you, carrying the national flag, will speak about the government’s plan for maintaining democratic practice, establishing peace and carrying out the ongoing development activities,” Quader, also road transport and bridges minister said, asking the AL leaders and activists to remain on guard.
Pointing finger at the BNP leaders, the AL spokesperson said that the BNP took to the street again after failing to wage movement.
“People do not respond to their call for movement. They have become fake,” he said.
“The government has been formed under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina after getting the mandate of 41.8 per cent voters. As many as 28 parties have participated in the polls and people of the country have elected Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
The AL spokesperson also bitterly criticised the BNP for terming that the government belongs to China, India and Russia.
These countries can be friends of Awami League but no foreign force brings the party in power rather the people do so, he said.
Quader said they lodge complaints to the foreigners against the government and issue threats. They do not have any patriotism as they want the country to get the sanctions.
“Except the Almighty Allah, Sheikh Hasina does not bow down to anyone. Except the countrymen, she does not care anyone,” he said.
Over the growing price hike of essential commodities, the bridges minister said the prices of essential commodities would come down soon.
“We have to import goods at a high cost while sell those at a cheaper rate. Do not be impatient. Keep confidence in Sheikh Hasina. The price of essentials will come down soon,” he said.
Quader said apart from formulating plans, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed her council of ministers to control the market.
“Getting the directive, every minister has started working. If the work is going on in this fashion, we will be able to bring down the prices soon,” he said.
AL leaders, including Abdur Razzaque, Qamrul Islam, Mostafa Jalal Mahiuddin, Hasan Mahumd, Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif and BM Mozammel Haque, among others, also addressed the rally with AL Dhaka South City president Abu Ahmed Mannafi in the chair.
Addressing the rally, presidium member Abdur Razzaque questioned to whom BNP will show black flags. He suggested that BNP should show black flags to those leaders of the party whose programmes have failed.
"BNP did every heinous act in order to thwart the elections but the elections have been held in a successful and peaceful manner overcoming all local and foreign conspiracies," he said.
Advocate Qamrul Islam said different countries and global forums are giving their support in favor of the AL government.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is marching forward with a vow to build a Smart Bangladesh, he added.
He said BNP should admit it's wrongdoings to the people to return to politics again or it should quit politics.
Hasan Mahmud said the people have already shown black flag to BNP by giving their mandate to Awami League.
Different heads of states and governments are extending congratulations to Sheikh Hasina as the people of Bangladesh voted her to power, he said.
Even foreigners didn't respond to BNP's programme, he added.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif said it doesn't matter if any party boycotts an election. The people's participation has proven that BNP's all conspiracies have foiled, he said.
"The people of Bangladesh want development and elimination of the evil force (BNP)," he added.
