Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday warned that if the government does not get the message from peaceful programmes they will paralyse the country by enforcing stricter programmes such as hartal and blockade.

“We are holding a peaceful movement by involving people… If the government fails to get or understand any message of people's participation in our road marches, precessions, then the country will be paralysed by enforcing hartals and blockades. The government will be forced to resign,” he added.

Rizvi came up with the comments while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion meeting to demand the release of Khaleda Zia and better medical treatment abroad. The programme was organised by the Nurses Association of Bangladesh at Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.

Read: BNP extends 15-day programmes by 2 days

The BNP leader said that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would be freed and given better medical treatment after removing the government.

Rizvi said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has created a society of fear and panic to return to power.

“It has become clear that she is taking steps to become prime minister herself and form the government by holding another election. We understand that by looking at the court proceedings,” he said.

Read: Fakhrul fears conflict in country if govt doesn’t step down

Former acting convener of Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad and senior journalist Ruhul Amin Gazi, health affairs secretary of BNP Dr. Rafiqul Islam, vice president of Dhaka Journalist Union (DUJ-faction) Rashedul Haque, Juba Dal leader Mehbub Masum Shanto, Omar Faruk Kawsar were present in the programme, chaired by President of Nurses Association of Bangladesh Jahanara Khatun.

Read more: Need a tsunami of people in Chattogram:  Khasru says of BNP’s upcoming road march