Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hosssain on Wednesday complained that government had created a ground for the emergence of militancy in Bangladesh by imposing ‘one-party rule’ scrapping democracy.

‘There’s no democracy and human and voting rights in the country.  People have also no right of expression as the country is under an unwritten Baksal [Bangladesh Krishak Shramik League] rule. This regime has created a ground for the raise of militancy by demolishing democracy,’ he said.

In 1975 the then Awami League-led government abolished all parties and introduced a controversial one-party rule. The party was named Bangladesh Krishak Shramik League.

Speaking at a protest rally, he further said. ‘You (government) have abetted the extremist to emerge by making democracy dysfunctional.  The emergence of militancy is inevitable in a country which lacks democracy.’

Pro-BNP student leaders of Dhaka University Students’ Union and All Party Students Unity (Apsu) of the 1990s arranged the programme at the National Press Club protesting the conviction of BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman.

Mosharraf warned the government that it is crossing all the limits by resorting to repressive acts in its bid to eliminate its opponents. ‘You (govt) won’t be spared for crossing the limits. Keep it in mind you cannot stamp out BNP with your repressive acts.’

He criticised the ruling party leaders for turning down Khaleda Zia’s call for forging a national unity to resist militancy. ‘We’ll forge the national unity together with people to save the country, even though Awami League and a few other parties don’t respond to our call.’

The BNP leader, however, hoped that good sense will prevail upon the government to take steps for holding an inclusive election for restoring democracy and resist militancy.

He also called upon people to get united to free the country from the grasp of the current ‘fascist, autocratic and plunderer’ regime.

Mosharraf said the government is constantly conspiring against BNP and Zia family due to their vast popularity among people. ‘Awami League is now very nervous as its popularity has gone down to zero level.’