Criticising the government for its 'repressive acts', BNP on Friday alleged that various conspiracies are being hatched to destroy the opposition.

‘The country is going through a critical time. There is no democracy and freedom of expression in the country. Our leader Khaleda Zia has been charged with false cases. Imaginary and absurd allegations have been brought against her,’ said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.

He made the remarks while addressing a miald mahfil on the ground floor of BNP's Nayapaltan headquarters. BNP arranged the programme seeking salvation of the departed soul of its assistant organising secretary Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu who died on 5 May.

Ripon, also a BNP's international affairs secretary, voiced concern that their party leaders are getting sick in jails. ‘Our leader Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu's dead body was brought from jail a few days back. Our secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is also ill and he has lost 15 kg weight.’

He alleged that Pintu died at the Rajshahi Central Jail for lack of treatment. ‘We demand the government impartially investigate the reason behind Pintu's death. We've heard a probe committee has been formed. We're waiting to see whether the committee does their job neutrally.’

The BNP leader called upon the party leaders and activists to get united for carrying their ongoing movement for establishing democracy. ‘We won't bow down to undemocratic forces and we must continue our struggle.’

He also urged the government to give the opposition the due political space and opportunity to exercise their political rights to strengthen democracy.

Some central leaders of BNP and the 20-party alliance joined the milad mahfil.

A munajat was offered after the programme praying for eternal peace of Pintu's departed soul.