BNP hits back at PM for remarks against Zia

UNB, Dhaka :Lambasting the Prime Minister for her claim that Ziaur Rahman had links with Bangabandhu killing, BNP on Sunday alleged the government is trying to divert people’s attention to a different direction from its misrule by making such ‘false’ remarks.”The Awami League President said Ziaur Rahman had involvement with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s murder. People don’t expect such an irresponsible remark from aleader like her. It’s the proven truth that Awami League leader Khandaker Mushtaq had killed him,” he said.Addressing a discussion, Fakhrul, also the BNP acting secretary general, said, “The government has annihilated democracy. It’s also snatching people’s voting and basic rights. Sheikh Hasina is making such baseless remarks to hush up these acts.”Association of Engineers Bangladesh (AEB) arranged the programme in memory of ex-minister engineer LK Siddique at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh.Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister alleged that General Ziaur Rahman was involved in the killing of Bangabandhu.”Zia had promulgated indemnity ordinance to save the killers of Bangabandhu, rewarded them with posting in Bangladesh missions abroad,” Sheikh Hasina said while addressing a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) on the occasion of 39th martyrdom Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.Reacting to the PM’s remarks, Fakhrul said,” What had they said with whom you have now formed your cabinet after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? What was the role of the current Information Minister and his party at that time?”He said, the ruling party is resorting to various falsehoods to undermine BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. “It won’t be possible to malign Ziaur Rahman through false propaganda against him.”The BNP leader alleged that the government is pushing the country towards a dark hole by destroying all the democratic institutions and snatching people’s rights. “This usurper regime is again pushing the country towards one-party Baksal rule destroying our all achievements.”He warned that people had not accepted the Baksal role in the past and they will not do it now and in the future either.Recalling LK Siddique’s role in flourishing democracy and developing the country, Fakhrul said honest and competent leader like him is very rare in politics these days. “We’ve many things to learn from his life,” he observed.A munajat was offered after the discussion seeking salvation of the departed soul of Siddiqui.Former vice-chairman of BNP and ex-minister engineer LK Siddique passed away on August 1 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.