Opposition BNP on Friday alleged that the government is conspiring to hand over power to a third force realising that it cannot return to power in a democratic process. The party also warned that Awami League will be the worst sufferer if any third force emerges as it will have to face trial for its misdeeds, corruption and plundering.
"The government has started hatching a new plot to transfer power to a third force sensing Khaleda Zia will return to power if the next general election is held under a non-party caretaker government," senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told a protest rally here.
Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB) organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club demanding arrangement of the next election under a non-party caretaker government and the release of Amar Desh acting editor Mahmudur Rahman and Odhikar secretary general Adilur Rahman Khan.
Mosharraf, also a BNP standing committee member, said the next election must be held under a non-party caretaker government. "The government won't be able to hold a lopsided election using muscle power. People know how to resist a stage-managed election."
He criticised AL presidium member Mohammad Nasim
for his remark that the current Prime Minister will run the country if the election is not held in time, saying his comment exposed the ruling party's Baksali attitude.
Accusing the government of running the country in Baksal style under cover of democracy, the BNP leader said the ruling party was busy repressing its opponents instead of fulfilling its election pledges.
He urged the government to come to the straight path showing respect to the public opinion. "Still, there's time, try to understand the message of wall writing. Take initiatives to table a bill for restoration of the non-party caretaker government in the coming session of parliament."
Former justice Abdur Rauf, ex-PSC chairman Prof Zinnatunnesa Tahmina, BNP chairperson's adviser AZM Zahid Hossain and Jubo Dal president Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal were, among others, present.