BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the Awami League government stayed in power for 17 years by destroying Bangladesh's democracy to create a one-party rule.
He said there were no fair elections in Bangladesh for 17 years, with the Awami League using state machinery to secure and stay in power.
He accused the Sheikh Hasina government of extensive corruption and claimed that its officials, including ministers and MPs, have been involved in money laundering.
He further added: "If you open a newspaper today, you can see how much money their ministers and MPs have laundered abroad, with one minister after another getting caught."
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a program marking the eight death anniversary of BNP standing committee member and ex-minister late Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shah in Gazipur.
He said that those who once unyieldingly sent Begum Khaleda Zia to jail on false charges are now being arrested for corruption and theft.
Recounting memories of being in jail with Hannan Shah, Fakhrul praised him as a true democrat. Despite being a brigadier in the military, Hannan Shah was a supporter of democracy at heart and worked tirelessly for Khaleda Zia.
He said that in the past 17 years, nearly a thousand BNP members have disappeared, thousands of others have been killed, and false charges have been filed against people. BNP activists, when they attended court for hearings, the police demanded bribes, and if not paid, they were arrested and sued.
“Our leader Hannan Shah was arrested multiple times on false charges,” he added.
He added: “They (Awami League leaders) are running away and conspiring against the country. They are conspiring to shut down garment factories in Gazipur. However, workers and owners have opened garment factories after discussions.”
With Durga Puja approaching, he warned of potential instability but reassured the Hindu community that all Bangladeshis stand united to protect their celebrations.
He added: “Even though Hasina fled Bangladesh, the crisis is not over yet. The current interim government, whose leader has received a Nobel Prize, is still supported by the people of Bangladesh who believe in democracy. We trust that this government will soon arrange for free and fair elections, leading to a democratically elected parliament that will govern the country.
