Govt wants to eliminate democratic opposition

A strong opposition party is necessary to strengthen democracy, but the government is trying to eliminate the opposition force in the country, claimed the BNP at a press conference at its central headquarters in the capital yesterday.

"We urge the government to give up its strategy of destroying the opposition, and ensure that we can be politically active in the country," said BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon.     

He said the government might think that it is better if the opposition is weak, but it fails to see that democracy is weakened by a weak opposition.

Ripon urged the Awami League-led government to hold effective dialogue with the BNP to hold an inclusive election and reorganise the election commission.

Ripon said different ministers have talked about BNP exercising political activities in a normal manner. "But we want a guarantee from the government," he added.

He added that the opposition leaders behind bars should be released, and "false cases" against them withdrawn.