AL wants to stay in power by controlling the admin: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the Awami League government was trying to stay in power through the coming election by controlling the administration.

Criticising the recent reshuffle in the administration ahead of the national election, he said, "DCs [deputy commissioners] and SPs [superintendents of police] have been changed, and numerous appointments and promotions have taken place in the administration. Their only objective is to regain control over the administration just like before."

Speaking at a rally organised by pro-BNP platform Bangladesh Sommilito Peshajibi Parishad in front of Jatiya Press Club, he urged the law enforcement agencies and judiciary to "stand by the country and the people. Do not accept unjust orders."

Referring to the law enforcers he said, "They have already started using firearms. They don't let people stay in their homes at night. They arrive [at the activists' houses] with warrants in false cases."

Incarcerated BNP leaders and activists are denied bail and given harsh treatment in prisons, he added.

He added that the recent conviction of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman in a graft case was an attempt by the government to mislead people.

He then accused the ruling Awami League of undermining two consecutive elections, and forcefully seizing power.