Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the main motive behind the 1/11 political changeover was to annihilate nationalist forces.

Speaking at a discussion, he also alleged that those who supported the 1/11 administration at that time are now talking against it for political gains.

Bangladesh Chhatra Forum and Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, marking ‘10th anniversary of BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman’s imprisonment.

‘Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman had been arrested as part of a move of the 1/11 administration to suppress the politics of nationalists. They had arrested many others who believe in nationalism,’ Fakhrul said.

He said the plot is still on to eliminate BNP and its leadership. ‘The country’s democracy, the rule of law and freedom of speech are now at stake.’

To overcome the situation, he said the youth must come forward. ‘They must vow to resist the plot of re-establishing one-party rule.’

Speaking at the programme, Dhaka University ex-VC Prof Emajuddin Ahmed blamed politicians for creating the ground for the 1/11 political changeover.

‘As a political scientist, I want to clearly state that the 1/11 was a military coup. A military coup takes place by some ambitious army officials with the help of many politicians who create the ground for it. Military takeover never happens as long as political leaders create the ground for it,’ he observed.

Emajuddin said the 1/11 administration was ethically illegal, no matter whose movement’s outcome it was.