Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party termed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks unexpected and devoid of political etiquette involving its chairperson Khaleda Zia in the recent murders of two foreigners. 

The party also feared that the prime minister’s comments may influence the probes into the murder incidents. 

'The prime minister has said Khaleda Zia is killing foreign nationals to create panic among people and foreigners, and taint the country's image. We strongly protest and condemn her remarks,' said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon. 

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he further said, 'We think the PM brought the fabricated and baseless allegation against our leader only to tarnish opposition’s image. Such an allegation is very much unbecoming and unfortunate and devoid of political norms.' 

Japanese citizen Hoshi Kunio was shot dead in Rangpur on 3 October, five days after the killing of an Italian citizen Cesare Tavella in Dhaka's Gulshan area. 

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged that BNP chief Khaleda Zia is conspiring from abroad to destabilise the country through killing foreigners in Bangladesh. 

Reacting to the PM’s comments, Ripon said blaming the BNP chief without any investigation will only encourage the assailants. 'When such a bizarre allegation comes from the government’s top level, the real offenders who try to destabilise Bangladesh and jeopardise its democracy get pampered. The government should refrain from brining false allegations against the opposition for the sake of proper investigations.' 

He also alleged that the government is trying to hide the real killers of the foreigners by blaming BNP and its leaders. 

The BNP leader also urged the government to ensure security of the foreign citizens staying in Bangladesh. 'We want a fair probe into the killing of two foreigners. We also want foreigners to move in the country safely without any fear.'

Renewing his party’s call for a national unity to check extremism and overcome the ongoing political crisis, Ripon said, 'We must follow a healthy politics and work together for the betterment of the country and resolve political problems.'