B Chowdhury sees signs of tension among AL, BNP leaders

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, popularly known as B Chowdhury, has observed that tensions have been prevailing among leaders and activists of both Awami League and BNP over the forthcoming parliamentary polls.

"BNP activists are deeply worried about their future if Awami League returns to power in the next election... Some of the ruling party activists also come to us and ask what will happen if BNP returns to power? Is it a good sign for the future of the country?" he asked while speaking at an Iftar party arranged by BNP.

"The current situation indicates we may reach a point where there will be violence, people will kill and get killed, assaulted and jailed,” he said. 

In the absence of party chief Khaleda Zia, BNP hosted the party in honour of political leaders at Dhaka Ladies Club on Saturday, the second day of Ramadan.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the party’s Standing Committee members greeted the guests and exchanged pleasantries with them.

Khaleda Zia used to host iftar for leaders of all political parties every year during the month of Ramadan.

The chair of the chief guest at the program was kept vacant as Khaleda Zia is now in jail.

Speaking on the occasion, Fakhrul said they hosted the event with a broken heart this year, as their chairperson is now in jail.

"Our leader [Khaleda Zia] is not present among us today. She has to take iftar alone in jai as she was sent there in a false  and politically motivated case." 

Mentioning that the country is passing through a critical juncture under the rule of the current Awami League-led government, Fakhrul expressed his hope that national leaders would play an important role in overcoming challenges. 

"We think that national unity is crucial to resolving the crisis. I call upon the national leaders who are present here to get united to restore democracy and people's rights."

A munajat was offered, seeking divine blessings for Khaleda.

Krishak Shramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rob, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and senior leaders of the BNP-led 20-party alliance joined the program.

BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Lt Gen [retd] Mahbubur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam Miah, Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury were also present at the event.