Crude bomb blasts part of plot to destroy democracy: Anee

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has accused the opposition of plotting to undermine democracy through bombings and crude bomb attacks.

Speaking at the inauguration of bank protection work along the WAPDA canal in Bhabaniganj Union of Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila on Friday, Anee linked recent violence to the activities and rhetoric of opposition parties.

“They have become involved in a new conspiracy to destroy democracy,” he said.

“They themselves are saying that unless the demands of the 11-party alliance are met, the bombings and crude bomb attacks will not stop.”

The minister also criticised the opposition over "abusive rhetoric".

“If this is what they call the beauty of democracy, the people of this country have not accepted them and will not accept them in the future either,” he said.

Anee then drew a comparison between the current opposition and those who “fled on the 5th”, accusing the latter of orchestrating arson attacks, crude bomb attacks and flash processions from abroad.

“Similarities can be found between those activities and the wrongdoing, rhetoric and actions of the current opposition,” he said.

Anee alleged that a “deep conspiracy” was under way against the country, democracy and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government.

Warning the opposition, he said the BNP had a long history of street movements and was prepared to confront “evil forces”.

“This is Zia’s party, this is Khaleda Zia’s party. We have come this far through movements. We emerged from the streets and confronted conspirators on the streets,” he said.

“We will confront these evil forces on the streets in the days ahead.”