Rejected the government’s claim on achieving self-sufficiency in food production, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir says 42 per cent of people in Bangladesh are still living under the poverty line.
“The government kept saying to date that Bangladesh is self-sufficient in food production and there is development everywhere. But the reality is 42 per cent of people in Bangladesh are still living under the poverty line,” said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday.
The BNP secretary general came up with the statement while addressing a massive crowd at Bangabandhu Uddyan in Barishal as part of BNP’s divisional rally, according to UNB.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Awami League is trying to snatch votes again as they did in the elections of 2014 and 2018.”
“They are trying to prove that the new Chief Election Commissioner is neutral who said the election will be held through Electronic Voting Machines. But we have strongly opposed it,” he added.
The BNP leader said, “Our stance is clear that no election will be held under Sheikh Hasina government and she has to resign and dissolve parliament before polls.”
He said the ongoing movement of BNP is not only to save its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman or any leaders but it is for saving the people of Bangladesh.
He acknowledged and praised party activists and leaders who started arriving at the venue on Thursday defying all obstacles and facing immense struggle amid the transport strike.
Tens of thousands of opposition BNP activists and leaders joined the divisional rally in Barishal city on Saturday demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and a national election under a non-party neutral government.
The rally began around 11 am at the city’s Bangabandhu Udyan while the central party leaders will join the rally shortly.
The crowd spilled out onto the surrounding roads-- 1.5 km off the venue, said locals.
People with banners and placards have joined the rally from different parts of the district by boat, raft, bicycle, on foot and even by floating on drums.
The BNP activists started gathering at the rally venue on foot Thursday night from different districts and units under Barishal Division.
Many of them alleged that they faced obstacles at various entry points of the city as the ruling party men tried to intercept them.