String of black laws ahead of elections: BNP

Political opposition BNP today alleged that the ruling party is on a black law passing spree ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Since January 5, 2014, the parliament went on 23 sessions, but almost 200 laws were passed, said the party’s senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

“The ruling party is on black laws passing spree to continue its reign on the country,” the senior joint secretary of BNP alleged.

The last parliament session saw passage of 18 laws including the much-debated Digital Security Act.

Speaking at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi alleged, the government is now planning to bring amendments to the RPO before the general election.

BNP has joined in an election-oriented alliance ‘JatiyaOikyafront’. Thus far, the party seems determined to contest the elections.

However, its chief Khaleda Zia is still behind bars following conviction in a graft case. Tarique Rahman, the party’s second in line and also son of Khaleda, is abroad since 2007. He stands convicted in some cases, including the August 21, 2004 grenade attack case.

What is Jatiyo Oikyafront?

BNP and three other political parties formally launched an alliance called JatiyaOikyafront on October 13, just months before the national election.

The alliance also includes Dr Kamal Hossain-led JatiyaOikyaProkriya, ASM AbdurRab-led JatiyaSamajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Mahmudur Rahman Manna-led NagorikOikya. Manna is a former leader of Awami League.

Both the JSD and NagorikOikya are components of Juktofront, which was formed last year under the leadership of former president Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury, who is also president of Bikalpadhara Bangladesh (BDB). 

What are the demands of Jatiyo Oikyafront?

The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with a set of demands.

It includes demand of a national election under a neutral government after dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.