As part of their one-point simultaneous movement, BNP’s Dhaka South and North City units brought out two separate processions with black flags in the capital’s Nayapaltan and Shymoli areas respectively on Friday.

The programme is meant for mounting pressure on the government to accept the one-point demand which includes the resignation of the Awami League government and holding the next general election under a non-party caretaker government.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas inaugurated the Dhaka South city unit’s procession in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office around 4:20 pm. The procession will end at Doyaganj e after parading through different roads.

In a brief address prior to launching the programme, the BNP leader said he slammed the law enforcers for repressing and arresting BNP leaders and activists.

“Some ill-educated people who love money, not country, are pushing Bangladesh towards destruction with their misdeeds and repressive acts,” he said.

The BNP leader also said the law enforcers open fire on BNP leaders and activists and kill them when they take to the streets with public issues. “Why do you do that?  Are you foreigners?”

He said they have long been demanding a reduction of the prices of essential items and utility services, but the government cannot do it as it ruined the economy.

The BNP leader said people will find it very difficult to survive and the country’s independence and existence will be at stake if the Awami League government stays in power any more.

In an oblique reference to India, he said this country wants to see Sheikh Hasina in power again.  “I would like to urge them to make friends with the people of Bangladesh not with any government or party.”

Abbas said the next election must be held under a nonparty natural government to restore democracy and people’s voting rights.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the Dhaka north city unit BNP’s procession at Shyamoli Ring Road in the city’s around 4pm. The procession is scheduled to end at Mohammadpur Bus Stand after parading different roads.

Speaking  briefly, Khosru said the people of Bangladesh have taken a vow to oust the current regime defying all obstacles. ‘The people of Bangladesh never backed off from their position in favour of democracy and they have turned victorious all times.”

Describing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the opponent of the people of Bangladesh, the BNP leader called upon the law enforcers, government officials and employees not to take a position against the people.

He said PM Hasina along with a big delegation went to South Africa by spending huge public money but failed to get membership of BRICS.

At a meeting with Bangladeshis there, Khosru said Hasina sought votes for 'boat'  and hurled abuses at the BNP. “She could do it staying at home as she always does it. So, what was the justification for her visit to South Africa by spending public money?”

He said the government is trying to play a fresh game by conducting drives against militants.  “This time no game over militancy will work. Awami League is the biggest terrorist and militant party. These militants, terrorists and liars can’t be allowed to hang onto power.”

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies flocked to both spots to join the processions.

Apart from BNP, Ganotantra Mancha, 12-party alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, LDP, Gonoforum and People’s Party, Samamona Peshajibi Ganatantrik Jote, Gonotantrik Bam Oikya, Labour Party, NDM, Bangladesh Sadaran Chhatra Odhikar Sanrakshan Parishad, two factions of Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, Janatar Odhikar Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) and NDP are observing the programme separately in different areas of the capital.

This is the fifth programme of the opposition's one-point movement with the goal to remove Awami League from power.

Earlier on August 18 (Friday last) the BNP and like-minded parties brought mass processions in all metropolitan cities, including in the capital, to force the government to accept their one-point demand.

On July 12 this year, BNP and the like-minded parties announced their one-point movement to realise their demands.

On July 12 last, BNP and the like-minded parties announced their one-point movement to realise their demands.