'No machetes, axes please'

"Take back your call to violence. Take back your call to come out with machetes and axes," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in her address to the nation on Friday.

It was seen as a clear attack on BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka who had asked supporters to hit the streets with weapons and prepare for 'armed resistance'.

"The nation wants peace and progress. The last thing anyone wants is violence. So give up plans for violence and chaos and come to Parliament," Hasina said, pointing to the BNP.

"That is where we can sort out our differences and find a way to peaceful transition of power."

Hasina said 'her doors were always open for negotiations'.

“Don’t kill people by hurling bombs and setting fire. Islam is a religion of peace and stop being disrespectful towards the faith by burning the Holy Quran and setting mosques afire.

“Stop the culture of getting orphans in Madrasas killed by getting them to make bombs. Put an end to burning of innocent pedestrians and bus drivers alive. Let people live in peace,” Sheikh Hasina said.

The BNP has been threatening to paralyse the country after Oct 24 if the present government does not ensure a return of the caretaker arrangement.

It has called for a mass rally on Oct 25 to whip up support for the caretaker demand and Khoka had asked party supporters to come out with sharp weapons on that day to resist any possible attack by ruling Awami League to thwart the rally.

Sheikh Hasina said BNP made different demands in different times.

The Prime Minister said, “BNP placed adjournment motion in parliament. When we agreed to hold dialogue they (BNP) withdrew the motion. Once they demand caretaker government, next non-party government and then again Hasina-free (government). They are only confusing the people.”

She asked the BNP to place a specific proposal. “Move adjournment motion again if needed and tell us clearly what you want.”