Dhaka: BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday alleged that government is gradually ‘squeezing’ political space so that BNP cannot join the next general election.

‘They (govt) are shrinking the political space. They’ll create a situation where BNP won’t be able to participate in the election and realise people’s voting and other rights,’ he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said three state organs are helping the government gradually reduce the political space.

Nagorik Odhikar Andolan Forum organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and party vice chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu.

Referring to a recent global survey report where Bangladesh was put at 102 among 113 countries of the world in context to adherence to the rule of law, Khasru said it has a co-relation with the jailing of Khaleda Zia on ‘false documents’ and sending Chief Justice SK Sinha on force retirement.

He said BNP needs not to go to foreigners with complaints as the UN and other organisations are aware of the condition of the rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech in Bangladesh.

The BNP leader said all the foreign delegations visiting the country are talking about a neutral, credible and participatory election. ‘They’re speaking about giving the opposition political space and allowing holding rallies and ensuring political rights.’

He urged the government to pay heed to the foreigners’ advice, and come to the path of democracy, shunning its despotic attitude, in the interest of the country and its people.