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BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain warned that conspiracies are going on to halt restoration of democracy in the country.
"Those, who want to destroy democracy, are among us, lurking in the shadows. It is our responsibility to expose them," he said at a rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Friday.
About the grisly murder of a scrap trader near the Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka - in which some of the suspects were reportedly linked to the party, Dr Zahid said BNP and its affiliated organisations took swift actions against them. He demanded the killers' exemplary punishment.
He also said various tags are still being attached to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Dr Zahid urged all party men to remain alert with utmost patience, and not to fall into the trap of provocation, set by these conspirators.
Challenging the party's rival political groups, he called upon them to participate in the democratic process instead of resorting to issuing vague statements.
"Let me remind you that the fight for democracy is about (holding) the national election, not the local ones. And the PR system hasn't been practiced in Bangladesh in 54 years, or even 154 years. Why do you stir up discord with such talk now? It seems that you are trying to delay the return of democracy for your own gain."
"Why are you trying to play with fire? Why are you trying to destroy the political culture of this country by becoming someone else's pawn?"
"If you try to keep the people powerless for too long, they will rise up. And when they'll do it, you'll be burnt by the very fire you lit."
"I urge everyone to stay united and patient. Just as we stood against authoritarianism before, we will do so again. The fight to restore democracy will continue, and the election will take place in February. The conspirators will not succeed," he added.
Mr Zahid blamed both the government and law-enforcement agencies for failing to maintain law and order during the recent unrest in Gopalganj regarding the National Citizen Party's rally.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Zainul Abdin Faroque said conspiracy is going on to halt restoration of democracy in the country. People have understood who are hatching conspiracy to halt the national election. Tarique Rahman is being abused, and it is a part of the attempt to halt the election. But BNP has the courage to foil all conspiracies. He made the remarks at an event organised by Jatiyatabadi Motorchalak Dal at the National Press Club on Friday.
Pointing his finger to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the BNP leader said,
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com