BNP goes for 4-day fresh agitation

BNP yesterday announced a four-day fresh anti-government movement starting today that will include nationwide processions and marches.

The programmes have been planned as part of their one-point simultaneous movement demanding the Awami League government's resignation as well as the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her treatment abroad, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi at the Nayapaltan party office.

Rizvi said partymen across the country will offer prayers today seeking improvement in Khaleda's health.

Tomorrow, leaflets will be distributed across the country demanding Khaleda's release and treatment abroad.

On August 18, BNP will organise mass processions in all metropolitan cities, including Dhaka, demanding the AL government's resignation.

And finally, road marches will be held nationwide on August 19 with the same agenda.

Rizvi said other like-minded parties that have been carrying out the simultaneous movement with the BNP will also observe similar programmes from their respective positions.

He said BNP and opposition party leaders and activists are becoming victims of enforced disappearances, accused in false cases, arrested arbitrarily, and denied treatment in custody, leading to "custodial deaths".

Rizvi accused the AL government of trying to keep the election field empty, as it did before the "farcical" 2018 polls.

"In reality, there was no election in 2018. It was a deception and innovative farce with the people in the name of voting," he said.

Rizvi also criticised the authorities for denying BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu the right to attend his mother's funeral despite his parole being approved.