Jatiya Party a puppet in government hands: BNP leader Hannan Shah

A recent Jatiya Party factional conflict was staged under someone’s behest, BNP Standing Committee Member Hannan Shah has said.

The BNP leader was speaking at a discussion organised by party affiliate Juba Dal at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday. 
 
Shah claimed Awami League leaders and activists had taken favours from JP President and former ‘dictator’ HM Ershad in the past, while the BNP had refrained from doing so. 
 
"Sheikh Hasina now runs her government with that 'dictator'. Jatiya Party staged several dramas in the past. But they are not the playwright this time," he added. 
 
Shah also alleged the Foreign Secretary of India had spoken of supporting and forming the government with Awami League before the 10th Parliamentary election, which raises questions about the present regime’s legitimacy. 
 
Regarding a sedition case filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Shah said the country had come under a ‘monarchy’. 
 
The BNP has repeatedly alleged that the Awami League government has subverted democracy. 
 
The retired Army officer also demanded the withdrawal of various ‘false’ cases against several BNP leaders and activists.