BNP says government trying to start conflict by attacks on its workers

The BNP has said the government is trying to push it towards conflict by attacking its workers who observed 'Death of Democracy Day' on Thursday.

Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation at a press conference at the party's Naya Paltan headquarters.

The ruling Awami League had announced an opposing programme, 'Triumph of Democracy Day', on Thursday, marking three years since the 10th general elections which saw it return to power for a second consecutive term. 

The BNP, which boycotted the polls and has since been out of Parliament, announced black-flag programmes across Bangladesh.   

There were clashes as the police foiled the BNP's events in Naogaon, Sylhet and Narayanganj. Leaders and activists of the former main opposition were attacked in Barisal.

"The government used police and RAB to foil our peaceful programmes," Mirza Fakhrul said. "They also used their party goons against our plans."

"A group called the 'Prajanma League' attacked our Naya Paltan offices. They set fire to our banner and beat up a party worker."

"These were all done in front of police. So the extent of provocation provided by the government is clear. What they want is to create a situation that will take us towards conflict and agitation."

"But we've told them time and again that we don’t want violence. We'll hold our programmes in a democratic manner while avoiding conflict," Fakhrul added.

The BNP, he said, is prepared to hold its mass rally planned for Jan 7 even though police are yet to give permission for using Suhrawardy Udyan.

"We took the decision on the rally at a joint meeting. It will start at 1:30pm on that day. We are hoping to gather huge numbers of followers for this rally for the Death of Democracy Day."

"Our party chief (Khaleda Zia) will be present as chief guest."