Oust protectors of militants from power: Matia

Bomb blasts and murders done by these forces under government's protection have already tarnished the image of the country abroad. This is affecting foreign trade and inflow of foreign investment, she said while addressing a public meeting at Gouranga Bazar in Kishoregonj Friday evening.

The meeting was organised by the AL-led 14-party opposition alliance to protest the serial bomb blasts across the country on August 17 and price hike of fuel and essentials.

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She called upon the people to intensify agitation to dislodge the government.

Matia alleged that the four-party alliance government is suppressing opposition's voice and harassing its leaders and workers by implicating them in false cases to cling to power. But their dream will not come true as people have become conscious about the motive of the ruling parties, she added.

She also alleged that some senior leaders of ruling BNP are transferring money to foreign banks. Without naming, she said a front ranking BNP leader has transferred Tk 2.50 crore to Malaysia.

With advocate Abdul Hamid in the chair, the meeting was addressed by, among others, Sayed Ashraful Islam MP, Gano Forum central leader Abdur Rouf, Jatiya Samajtantric Dal (JSD) central leader Iqbal Hossain Khan, Workers Party leader Hajera Sultana and Nurur Rahman Selim of Ganatantri Party.

Matia said law and order has deteriorated after takeover by the four-party alliance government because the ruling party men are protecting criminals.

She also criticised the prime minister for her 'face saving' speech in the Jatiya Sangsad regarding the August 17 serial bomb blasts. This proves the government is reluctant to try the perpetrators of the August 17 incident, she alleged.

The people were scared after the August 17 incident and they expected stern action from the government against the criminals. But her (prime minister) speech in parliament has frustrated all, Matia said.

There has been virtually no progress in the trial of Kibria murder. "We do not feel the need to demand justice from the present government", the former minister said. "People will try all murders and incidents of bomb and grenade blasts during the tenure of the government", she said.

Such incidents will continue so long the government remains in power, she said.