Shun anarchic activities

"Please do not announce programmes that cause sufferings to the people," Bhuiyan, also LGRD and cooperatives minister, said while addressing a press briefing at his official residence last night.

Bhuiyan hoped that the opposition would shun all types of anarchic programmes. He also said the opposition did not get any public support during their 36-hour countrywide shutdown.

The BNP policymaker said the opposition's demands for electoral reforms would not be realised through movements. 'To reach a consensus over the electoral reforms, they will have to sit for dialogue," Bhuiyan said, brushing aside the opposition's threat to force the government to resign.

The BNP leader said they would not resign until the end of their tenure.

"Caretaker government cannot implement the opposition's demand. They will only conduct election. So, if they (opposition) want any reform, it could be done during our term," he added.

He said the Election Commission (EC) could only bring reforms to the electoral process. "We can request the Election Commission to bring reform, if the opposition agrees with us through dialogue," he added.

Bhuiyan also pointed an accusing finger at the opposition over the gunshots at an election commissioner's house in the city.