Frightful anarchy in Bangladesh

Frightful anarchy is prevailing in Bangladesh as there is no security for people's life and property and for which it will not be possible for everyone to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a statement sent to the media yesterday.

Meanwhile, BNP condemned the pressing of sedition charges against Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, terming it an "illogical, unjust, undemocratic and uncivilised move".

Khaleda, in the statement undersigned by Spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon, said the sufferings of people, especially of the low-income group, knew no bounds due to the price hike of essentials.

Besides, crisis of water, fuel, gas and electricity have created an unbearable situation, she said.

"I urge the country's affluent and persons who are able to extend their hands towards the distressed and helpless people. We will have to take care of them so that no one starves on the joyous day of Eid," she said.

She conveyed Eid greetings and prayed for happiness, peace and prosperity for all.

Khaleda left for the UK on September 15 for the treatment of her eyes and knees and celebrate Eid with family members after eight years, said the party. She is likely to return early next month.

SEDITION CHARGES

"We think the charges were...part of the government's evil efforts to harass him," said Asaduzzaman Ripon while addressing a briefing at the party's Naya Paltan central office.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch on Sunday submitted the charges against Khaleda's elder son in a case filed for calling Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman "Pakbandhu" (friend of Pakistan).

Moshiur Rahman Malek, president of Bangabandhu Foundation, filed the case on October 19 last year with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka.

In it, he said Tarique used the term while addressing a programme in London on September 29, 2014.

Defending Tarique, Ripon said Tarique quoted the remark from different books and articles on the Liberation War. "If any sedition case needs to be filed, it should be against writers of those books and articles," added the international affairs secretary. He called upon the government to come to the path of national unity shunning the politics of vengeance and repressive acts.