This is like living under monarchy: Fakhrul over PM’s comment on stopping all work due to criticism

The BNP has said living in Bangladesh is like living under a monarchy.

The statement came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at a press conference on 6 October, was quoted by various media as telling her detractors that if they constantly criticised the numerous developments in the country, she would shut it all down and let them face the aftermath. 

Criticising the PM's comment, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "Sheikh Hasina seems to be the owner of this country."

Speaking at a rally in Nayapaltan, Fakhrul reiterated the party's determination to oust the government and secure party chief Khaleda Zia's release.

"Can we be stopped by punishment?" he asked the gathering, who responded with a "No."

"No one will be deterred without defeating this government and freeing Khaleda Zia."

Fakhrul stated that the family members of Khaleda Zia had previously met with the prime minister to discuss her medical treatment abroad. 

"But now the prime minister referred the matter to the court, saying that it is beyond her control. The citizens of the country will hold this government accountable if anything untoward happens to Khaleda Zia," he said.

Awami League has become authoritarian and has abandoned its democratic roots, Fakhrul said, adding, "They [Awami League] are no longer a people's party."

Addressing the rally, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said, "This government is not compassionate and has no regard for humanity."

Among others, BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury also spoke at the rally.

The rally began around 3:30pm, although it was scheduled for 2pm. Partymen started gathering in the area in the afternoon, and the area soon became crowded, causing traffic congestion in the area.

Additional law enforcement personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.