This govt can’t be allowed to stay: Mirza Fakhrul
Leaders and activists of the BNP wings demand the abolition of the Digital Security Act
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the government has stolen the people's right to vote and it cannot be allowed to stay in power.
"This government cannot be allowed to stay. The people's government must be established through elections under a neutral authority. The people's right to vote must be ensured," he said.
He was speaking at the protest rally of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal in front of the National Press Club demanding justice for the custodial death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed and the killing of journalist Borhan Uddin Mujakkir.
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Mirza Fakhrul added that the government has already cracked down on 700 people with arrests, assaults and false lawsuits under the Digital Security Act.
"We want the repeal of this law, we want a trial for the murder of writer Mushtaq, we want a trial for the murder of Noakhali journalist Mujakkir," he added.
The BNP general secretary also demanded the release of the arrested Chhatra Dal leaders and justice for the police attack on the Chhatra Dal rally on 28 February.
Juba Dal President Saiful Alam Nirab said, "The soldiers of martyred Zia are not afraid of any dictatorship. The more attacks and lawsuits, the stronger the people will be," he added.
He noted that people's movement is intensifying day by day.
Juba Dal leaders from different parts of Dhaka gathered in front of the Press Club with small processions in groups to attend the rally.
Leaders and activists of the BNP wing also demand the abolition of the Digital Security Act.
Juba Dal General Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku said, "No matter how many assaults we face and cases are filed against us, we will ignore all."
He noted that their movement will continue till Digital Security Act is repealed and the government falls.
BNP leader and former housing and public works minister Mirza Abbas said the government does not know how to give respect to anyone.
"So this government deserves no respect. This government is not a government elected by people's vote, hence we refuse to accept this government," he added.
He further said that this government will topple from power by the current of people's movement. "No dictatorial government has survived through the ages," he said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present as the chief guest while Juba Dal President Saiful Alam Nirab presided over the rally.
Meanwhile, police have been deployed in the press club and surrounding areas to avert any untoward situation.
