BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that the people of Bangladesh are now under terrible fascism losing their voting and all other rights. 

"A suffocating situation is now there in the country. We're going through a difficult time as we can't freely talk and breathe,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said new laws are being formulated to curb people's freedom of expression and the freedom of press.

Also read: Laws, polices being made to control media: Fakhrul

“People are living in awful fascism as their rights have been completely taken away…their right to vote and right to life has been snatched. They (govt) are going to establish a one-party rule under a different cover,” Fakhrul said.

He alleged that their party chairperson Khaleda Zia has now been kept under house arrest by convicting her in ‘false’ cases. “She’s very sick, but she’s not allowed to go abroad for better treatment. “

The BNP leader said their party has been working to get out of the current situation of the country by restoring democracy.

Obaidur Rahman Smriti Sangsad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 15th death anniversary of ex-BNP secretary general KM Obaidur Rahman.

Fakhrul described the current government as an anti-people, anti-state and anti-liberation one and warned people that the country’s existence will be at stake if the Awami league stays in power for some more time.

Also read: BNP works out Independence Day programme

He called upon people of all walks of life to get united and join their party’s movement for the restoration of democracy and make it a success. "Our struggle will be successful only if we can wake up people, bring them to the streets and create a mass uprising against the dreadful dictatorial government." That's what we've to do now." 

Fakhrul recalled the contributions of KM Obaidur Rahman to the country and its different democratic movements and paid homage to him.