“There’s an interesting news item that the offence of demanding bribe at Jahangirnagar University has been named as ‘fair share’. This means the percentage they (BCL leaders) demanded is their ‘fair share’. The University VC has already given Tk 1 crore as bribe,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a human-chain programme, he further said, “So, why should only two students (BCL president and secretary) be removed? The VC should either resign or be sacked immediately.”
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Amid various controversies, BCL President Rezwanul Haque Chowdhury Shovon and General Secretary Golam Rabbani were removed from their respective posts on Saturday.
Fakhrul said corruption has grasped every sector and institution, including health’ education and judiciary, as there is no accountability of the current government.
“The VC and deans of Dhaka University admitted students secretly at night without taking admission test. So, which institution is now free from corruption?” he wanted to know.
The BNP leader hailed newly-appointed Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam as he said he is ready to work as an officer-in-charge (OC) himself, if needed.
“The DMP commissioner said if the OCs don’t discharge their duties properly and demand money for providing service, then he’ll be there and serve people as an OC. It’s an interesting comment and recognition of the prevailing corruption,” Fakhrul said.
He said the government itself has recognised that corruption is there by removing the president and general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League on charge of graft. “Now the government can’t hush up corruption despite frantic efforts as the black cat is coming out of the bag.”
The BNP leader said the ruling party has no right to stay in power as it ‘usurped’ power by resorting to ‘vote robbery’ at night and deceiving people. “The current government and parliament is illegal. So, a fair election must be held under a neutral administration to form a new government.”
Fakhrul called upon the people of all walks of life and all democratic parties to get united to ‘restore’ democracy and free Khaleda Zia from jail.
Mentioning that no autocratic ruler could retain power forever, he said Awami will also be forced to quit power. “Take lesson from history, or get ready to face the consequences.”
The BNP leader accused the government of following a knee-jerk foreign policy regarding Rohingya issue. “People won’t accept if our interests, independence and even inch of sovereignty are compromised. We’ll engage in a bigger war than the Liberation War to protect our independence, if necessary.”