BNP threatens tougher programmes

BNP warns that it would launch tougher programmes if its Monday's general strike is obstructed.

Dhaka, Feb 6 (bdnews24.com) — Main opposition BNP has warned the government that it would launch tougher programmes if the general strike is obstructed.

"We urge the government not to create any situation like that of Arial Beel by obstructing the hartal," Party secretary general Khandker Delwar Hossain told a press brief at the party's Naya Paltan head office on Sunday.

"Don't force us to declare any tougher programmes," he warned.

BNP called the countywide shutdown to press for a number of its demands, including withdrawal of cases against party chief Khaleda Zia and others filed over Munshiganj clash, probe into the recent stock market crash and bringing the market manipulators to book.

Among others, a number of leaders of the BNP and its associated wings attended the press briefing.

BNP alleged that police obstructed the party leaders from distributing leaflets in favour of the hartal in Naya Paltan area after the press briefing.

Delwar said the police and the ruling party-backed miscreants were harassing and oppressing BNP leaders and activists ahead of the general strike.

"Survival has been a challenge for the people due to the price hike of essentials. It's a fact that small investors of the stock market have become penniless, but the government is reluctant to address the problem," Delwar, the BNP second-in-command, alleged.

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