BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed that Sheikh Hasina is orchestrating sabotage from India.

He made these remarks at the inauguration of canal and lake clean-up drive at Uttara in Dhaka on Tuesday.

During his speech marking party’s 47th founding anniversary, Fakhrul charged, “Sheikh Hasina has not changed; she now resides in a nest of evil in India and is sending directives to Awami League and Jubo League leaders to create chaos.”

He drew sharp contrast with late President Ziaur Rahman, praising him for instituting multiparty politics, spearheading agricultural development and facilitating exports during the mid-1970s.

Fakhrul remarked sarcastically of BNP members in suits attending the clean-up, “but wearing a suit won’t clean a canal.”

Fakhrul also reiterated claims that Awami League was behind the attack on former DU vice-president Nur and insisted that any assault on the opposition would be met with firm resistance.

“Remember, democracy was won with the sacrifice of 2,000 lives. The people expect fair elections from this government,” he added, detailing that if BNP comes to power, they will ensure independence for health, education and judiciary sectors.

Criticizing the current state of journalism under the government, he lamented that previously journalists were unable to truthfully report, but expressed hope that a future BNP administration would uphold press freedom.

The event, presided over by BNP Dhaka Metropolitan North unit convenor Aminul Haque and coordinated by Dhaka Metropolitan North unit member secretary Mustofa Zaman, drew senior BNP figures including Mostafizur Rahman Segun and SM Jahangir Hossain.