No understanding has been reached behind the scenes

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday dismissed claims that the government had reached "an understanding behind the scenes".

"Why do they [the Awami League] repeatedly say that a compromise has been made behind the scenes? Because nothing [like that] has actually happened. All democratic countries in the world are asking the government to step down and hold a free and fair election," Fakhrul said at a three-hour-long symbolic hunger strike programme in front of BNP's Naya Paltan office.

He also said the BNP will launch a mass movement after Durga Puja, with demands for Khaleda Zia's release and for the next national election under a non-party neutral government.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists attended a symbolic hunger strike programme, demanding a neutral government for the upcoming national election, near the party office in the capital’s Naya Paltan yesterday. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN

"With Durga Puja nearing, we don't want any trouble as we believe in the democratic movement," he said while accusing the ruling party of being "undemocratic".

"The BNP is the largest political party [in the country]. It has come to power three times. Yet AL's Obaidul Quader calls us their enemy. No democratic party does that."

Referring to Friday's attack on a rally of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in Cumilla, Fakhrul alleged, "Police obstructed the peaceful protest while AL activists carried out the attack."

Thousands of leaders and activists from the BNP joined the hunger strike programme in Naya Paltan, while its 12-party alliance, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and other like-minded parties observed similar programmes elsewhere in the capital.

Similar programmes were also held in other metropolitans and many districts across the country.

BNP's standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Mirza Abbas, and Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna also spoke at the event.