Ishraque Hossain, lawmaker for Dhaka-6, has announced that BNP will remain on the streets throughout December to counter sabotage, terrorism, and anarchy by Awami League – whose activities are banned.
He said that during the victory month, the streets will be held under control together with the public, and no form of anarchy or terrorist activity will be permitted.
A demonstration procession led by Ishraque Hossain was brought out from Gopibagh in the capital at around 9pm on Thursday.
Supported by Wari police station BNP and its affiliate and associate organisations, the programme was held against the anarchy, terrorism, extortion, and drugs of the banned Awami League.
The procession paraded through various key roads and areas of Ward 39 under Dhaka South City Corporation.
Speaking before the procession began, Ishraque said fugitive Sheikh Hasina and her leaders are attempting to create anarchy and an unstable situation in the country around the upcoming month of December.
He said attempts are being made to create panic among the public by setting fire to buses in various locations and exploding firecrackers, adding that such misdeeds will be dealt with an iron hand.
Directives from PM
He said that at a meeting of the government parliamentary committee last Monday, Tarique Rahman, prime minister and BNP chairman, directed members of parliament to take a strict stance in their respective areas.
He instructed them to take to the streets against the banned Awami League and their terrorist activities to counter them, saying any attempt to disrupt the democratic progress and political stability of the country will be resisted alongside the people.
Referring to the 7 November rally, Ishraque said hundreds of thousands of people joined the event under the leadership of prime minister Tarique Rahman, through which they made their position on the streets known.
He said December is the month of victory and the streets will be kept under control throughout the month.
Extradition of Sheikh Hasina demanded
Demanding that Sheikh Hasina be returned to the country to face trial, Ishraque said she is a convicted offender on charges of genocide.
He said she fled after more than 1,500 innocent students, members of the public, children, elderly people, women, and men were killed within a span of one month, and they want to bring her back through an Interpol red notice to face trial.
He said the Indian government should return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh in accordance with the extradition treaty, adding that until justice for the murder of the martyrs is ensured, it will not be possible to repay their blood.
Ishraque said such threats were being made merely to sustain political existence and economic interests, and questioned why Sheikh Hasina was not returning to the country tomorrow instead of waiting for December.
No compromise on crime, corruption
Highlighting their experience of movement and struggle, the lawmaker for Dhaka-6 said they were on the streets for 17 years and have not forgotten street politics even after coming to power, noting that the primary source of their strength is the streets and people of Bangladesh.
He said he would implement the directives of prime minister Tarique Rahman to the letter, saying he moves strictly on the instructions of his people and leader Tarique Rahman and recognises no other leader in between.
Ishraque added that the main source of his strength is the local residents and the public, and if they stand by his side, no evil force will succeed, warning that they are ready to give a fitting response to any misdeeds.
Emphasising that there would be no compromise on corruption, misdeeds, drugs, terrorism, and extortion, he said they are performing their duties after being elected by public vote and will continue working in the public interest according to the directives of the prime minister in the coming days.
Ishraque launched the demonstration procession after thanking the attending leaders and activists, reiterating that he will remain on the streets alongside the people to execute Tarique Rahman’s directives for any need of the country.
