BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abdin Farooque on Wednesday questioned the legitimacy of having 600 members of Parliament in the 300 seats of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

Speaking at a human chain programme, he also said the country’s people will oust the Awami League regime through a strong movement.

“There’re 600 MPs in now Bangladesh. The MPs of the (11th) parliament will in place until January 29. How is that possible?,” Farroque said.

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He said how the new MPs took oath when the tenure of the outgoing parliament is not yet expired. “Which  law is written in the constitution that can allow them (new MPs) to be sworn in.”

The BNP leader said the Awami League government does not obey the constitution though it talks about the constitution to hold the election under a partisan administration.

“I would like to tell you (govt) do not insult the people of Bangladesh by talking about the constitution. Please, follow the constitution, step down and restore democracy,” he said.

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Gonotantra Forum arranged the human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to demand the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other jailed leaders and activists of the party.

Farroque, also the Opposition Chief Whip in the 9th Parliament, said the election that was held on January 7 was not an election as people boycotted it.

“The voters did not go to the polling stations.. It has been widely presented by the media in the country and abroad. It's a shame,” he observed.

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The BNP leader alleged that the government has been trying to subdue the opposition leaders and workers by resorting to repressive acts.

He said their party is committed to restore democracy and people’s all rights, including the right to vote by carrying out a movement on the streets.

“You (govt) will gain nothing by filing cases against our leaders and workers and jailing and repressing them. This regime can’t stay in power by holding such a fake and staged election, no matter how many tricks they resort to. People must unseat them through the movement,” he said.