BNP leader Moudud threatens to start tougher protests

BNP leader Moudud Ahmed said his party would declare tougher protests to oust the Awami League government.

He suggested party leaders and activists wait until the declaration of fiercer protests.

“The ruling government has no future. Wait patiently for a few days,” Moudud said in a discussion organised by ‘Nagorik Odhikar Andolan Forum’ at the National Press Club on Saturday.

“Appropriate programmes will be declared at an appropriate time. Peaceful protests will be over.”

Moudud made the remarks as the Awami League leaders doubted the capability of BNP leaders to stage successful protests.

The BNP had announced they would boycott the 10th parliamentary election unless it was held under a neutral caretaker government.

A series of long-term protests, hartal and strikes followed, but they had no effective result.

They also staged a 90-day strike the following year after the election.

The BNP has also faced criticism for the deaths of several people in violence during the demonstrations.

The BNP has held a series of peaceful protests across the country since the incarceration of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Feb 8.

“We know a fascist government cannot be displaced in a systematic way,” said Moudud. “It is not possible anywhere in the world, and never was in Bangladesh over the past time.”

He called upon the government to institute a non-partisan government for the upcoming general election and bring major amendments to the constitution.

Several BNP leaders and activists were arrested during the anti-narcotics campaign in Bangladesh, he claimed.

Moudud also demanded the government take Khaleda Zia into a specialised hospital for proper medical treatment.