Dhaka: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday described the 21 August grenade attack on an Awami League rally during their party-led alliance government 12 years back as the most stigmatised incident in Bangladesh's political history.

‘The 21 August attack is the worst barbaric incident of killing in which 22 leaders and activists of a political party were killed. It is also the most tainted incident in Bangladesh's political history,’ he told a discussion.

Fakhrul paid deep homage to the gruesome incident victims, including former President Zillur Rahman’s wife Ivy Rahman, and prayed for salvation of their departed souls.

Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP), one of the components of the BNP-led 20-party alliance, arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 7th death anniversary of its former chairman Shawfikul Ghaani Shapan, reports UNB.

The nation is observing the 12th anniversary of the savage 21 August grenade attack on an Awami League rally in the city with a heavy heart today (Sunday) amid various programs.

On this day in 2004, the grisly grenade attack was carried out on an anti-terrorism rally arranged by Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue here, reportedly a target to kill then leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina.

At least 24 leaders and activists, including AL’s women affairs secretary and late President Zillur Rahman’s wife Ivy Rahman, were killed and 300 others injured in the grenade attack. However, Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister, narrowly escaped the attack unhurt but her hearing was affected badly.

Fakhrul alleged that a conspiracy is on to turn Bangladesh into a militant and failed state by destroying democracy and snatching people’s all rights.

To get rid of the current situation, he said there is no alternative to restoring democracy.

The BNP leader said now the government is suddenly talking about a mid-term election as part of its plot to weaken the nationalist and democratic forces.

He urged people from all walks of life to get united to force the government to arrange a fair and inclusive election under a neutral administration.

About Rampal Power Plant near the Sundarban, Fakhrul said had the current government been elected with people’s votes, it would not have allowed to construct the power plant endangering environment.

‘It’s a basic question what is the point of making this power plant which can destroy our Sundarban, our environment and future,’ he said.

About giving transit facility to India, the BNP leader said Bangladesh is allowing the neighbouring country to use its streets and rail tacks, but what that the country is giving in exchange for that.

‘We’ve long been demanding a fair share of the Teesta water, but it has not yet been taken care of. We’ve also repeatedly talked about brining an end to border killing, but it is still going on. Friendship should be based on equal opportunity,’ he observed.

About BNP’s stance on relations with India, Fakhrul said their party undoubtedly wants to maintain friendly and good ties with the close neighbouring country, and resolve all the outstanding issues. ‘We want good ties with them (India) based on equity.’