BNP demands white paper on those who fled country

BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque today said the government must publish a white paper on those who fled the country following the student-led mass uprising.

"Those responsible for the deaths of many mothers' sons in Bangladesh, who managed to escape to India, must be held accountable," he said during a rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party in front of the National Press Club.

"If Sheikh Hasina remains in power until 2041, Bangladesh's independence will be at the feet of Delhi." 

Faruk said, "After 16 years of oppression, 16 years of being in the 'Aynaghor', 16 years of enforced disappearances, and 16 years of killings, Allah has expelled the tyrant Sheikh Hasina from the country. She, who used to take pride in her father's legacy, has departed in the very month of his death."

At the rally, he noted that telephonic conversations involving the deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina have gone viral on social media, in which she mentioned her intention to re-enter the country from India suddenly.

"I would like to say it wouldn't be that easy for you to enter the country crossing the border as you fled Bangladesh to India. The border is currently tightly secured by the BGB under the government of Muhammad Yunus, not by the Awami League," the BNP leader said.

Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also alleged that India tried to subdue Bangladesh with the help of Sheikh Hasina.

"But the people of Bangladesh have bigger hearts, and they ousted the Awami League through years of agitations and struggle, as well as through the student-led mass revolution. Democracy must be restored and voting will no longer be held at night. This movement won't be in vain," he said.

Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party arranged the programme demanding the withdrawal of all the false cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other opposition leaders and activists.

Farroque said the current interim government was put in place to make sure the country operates according to the constitution, not under the armed cadres of the Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League.

BNP wants a free, fair and credible election where the country's people will be able to freely exercise their right to franchise, he added.

The BNP leader said the people of the country now expect the Dr Yunus-led government to fulfill their desire by announcing a date for the next national election within a reasonable timeframe.

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of 40 lakh cases filed against BNP and opposition party leaders during the previous government's tenure.