Dhaka: Voicing deep concern over the ‘sharp rise’ in criminal activities in the country, BNP on Tuesday alleged that the country is heading towards anarchy for lack of an elected and democratic government.

‘BNP is worried over the country’s dignity as its position is going down in different international indexes. At present, there’s no rule of law, good governance and accountability. The country is marching towards chaos. The government’s cadres are responsible for the recent growing incidents of criminal activities,’ said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.

He came up with the remarks while addressing a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

The BNP leader said an international risk-consulting firm, UK-based Control Risks, put Bangladesh 7th among the top 10 countries where kidnappings are most frequent. ‘It’s a matter of concern and shame for the nation.’

He alleged that the incidents of killing and abduction have marked a sharp rise though a warlike situation is not prevailing in the country. ‘Enforced disappearances, human trafficking and repression on women are taking place here. Children are receiving bullets in their mothers’ womb. Even, the government officials and employees are being assaulted.’

Ripon said the unjust incidents are on the rise as law enforcers cannot discharge their duties properly.

He said many of their party leaders and activists were killed and made disappeared. ‘The families of our missing leaders and activists, including Chowdhury Alam and Ilias Ali, are stilling waiting to get back them.’

The BNP leader demanded an investigation under the supervision of the UN Human Rights Commission into the incidents of killing, abduction and enforced disappearances.

He said the current situation is unlikely to improve until an elected government assumes office. ‘An unelected government doesn’t have any responsibility to voters.’

Ripon called upon the government to shun its repressive policy and allow the opposition to exercise their democratic rights in order to restore peace and stability in the country.

The BNP spokesman also demanded the government release BNP leaders and activists after withdrawing ‘false’ cases filed against them.