Accusing the government of resorting to repressive acts to subdue opposition ahead of the next national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (September 10, 2022) warned that it will not help Awami League this time to “cling to power”. Speaking at a discussion, he also questioned the justification of the government’s plan to build a flyover in the haor area. “Several thousands of people have been injured and shot. They’re also filing cases (against BNP leaders and activists) in the same old style. But you won’t be able to stay in power this time by doing these things,” the BNP leader said. He said the ruling party will no longer be able to fool the country’s people who are now putting up strong resistance against the government. “The people of Bangladesh always established their rights and justified demands through struggles. That struggle has begun again and we believe they’ll achieve victory this time,” Fakhrul said. Read: EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader Eti Prokashon arranged the programme on the occasion of unveiling the book titled “Politics: East Pakistan and Bangladesh” at the Jatiya Press Club. Fakhrul said Awami League is solely responsible for the current crisis in Bangladesh as it has destroyed democracy and the economy in the country. “They (AL) have established a reign of plundering by ruining the economy and turning Bangladesh into a failed state. There’s no justice while the law enforcers have become a partisan force. It’s unimaginable that people are shot without any justification in a country that claims to be a democracy,” the BNP leader said. About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent India tour, Fakhrul said she went to the neighbouring country with “only the hope to take measures to retain power”. “She brought nothing (from India). We can’t see anything except talking about 153 cusecs of water. A Bangladeshi boy was shot dead along the border the day those MoUs were signed. It happens often. But it (border killing) has not stopped till now,” the BNP leader said. Read: Dipu Moni for participation of all parties in elections He said their party wants India to have good relations with Bangladesh. “India is a friendly country to us. We are grateful for their support during our Liberation War.” Fakhrul said they saw a picture of Sheikh Hasina dancing at Jaipur airport in India during her recent four-day tour. “The people of this country will never accept that you’re dancing at a time when the country is facing a dire economic situation.” Referring to media reports, he said the government has allocated Tk 6,500 crore to build a flyover in the haor area. “We’ll see that it (allocation) will reach Tk 26,000 crore. But nothing has been mentioned about its requirements and how many vehicles may use it." The BNP leader alleged that the government has been moving away from the main problems of the country by taking mega projects and unnecessary projects. He said, around 42% of people still live below the poverty line and cannot afford two meals a day while most do not get proper health care in the country. “Youth are not getting jobs after passing BA and MA. They are being forced to ride-share motorbikes and pull rickshaws. But you (govt) are saying that Bangladesh has become a role model for development. This is deception with people.”