‘We will not back down’

I want to say clearly that by killing, arresting, filing false cases, it would not be possible to keep BNP away from the street and movement.

BNP yesterday issued a note of warning to the ruling party saying that it would not be possible to stop their movement by attack and arrests.

"When we were taking preparation for holding a rally in Pallabi, Awami criminals with arms attacked our leaders and activists. It was also reported in the media. I want to say clearly that by killing, arresting, filing false cases, it would not be possible to keep BNP away from the street and movement," said party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He came up with the warning at a press conference at party chairperson's Gulshan office.

"It is a matter of great sorrow that when our leaders and activists were resisting the attackers, police charged batons and lobbed tear shells at us and even opened fire. We repeatedly said the role of police should be neutral but they are working in favour of Awami League and its criminals."

Fakrhul announced that BNP will stage demonstrations in all the cities, districts, and upazila headquarters on Sunday to protest the attack on a party programme in Mirpur.

He said the demonstration in Dhaka will be held in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan at 3:00pm.