AL creates anarchy fearing defeat in next polls

"The Awami League has failed to build up movement against the government and the party is convinced that another defeat is waiting for it in the next election," he said at a rally in the city.

Referring to the recent demonstration for water supply in Demra, the minister said, "Unruly workers of Awami League attacked the BNP lawmaker Salahuddin Ahmed during the demonstration."

Dhaka city unit of BNP organised the rally at Muktangon as part of the party's countrywide protest against what it said 'anarchy and violence by the AL'.

A large number of BNP leaders and workers from different parts of the city joined the rally.

The ruling party will organise another countrywide demonstration on May 28, the leaders said at the rally.

Terming Awami League a party of terrorists, Mannan Bhuiyan said it has no respect for the rule of law.

"Awami League had created godfathers when it was in power," he said, adding that the present government has ensured security of the people by improving law and order.

The BNP leader said the AL, as a major opposition party, could not play its due role in the last four and half years. It has only hampered the development activities of the government, he added.

He once again urged the opposition to sit with the government for a dialogue on electoral reforms without any precondition.

On the new voter list, Mannan Bhuiyan said the Election Commission (EC) has prepared the voter list through engaging schoolteachers and the government employees in the task. BNP had nothing to do with it, he said, adding that if there is anything wrong with the list, the EC will be responsible for it.

He also urged all to cooperate with the EC to make an error-free list.

Forest and Environment Minister Tariqul Islam said the BNP would be voted to power again if the next general election is held in free and fair manner.

Presided over by Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, the rally was also addressed by Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas, State Minister for LGRD Ziaul Huq Zia, advisor to the women and children affairs ministry Barkatullah Bulu, State minister for labour and employment Amanullah Aman, Krishak Dal President Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Abdus Salam, SA Khaleque MP, Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, Azizul Bari Helal and Shafiul Bari Babu.