DHAKA, Oct 29, 2023 (BSS) - Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today urged BNP to join the next general elections, shunning the path of violence.

"Join the polls shunning the path of violence. If you want democracy, there is no alternative to peaceful polls. There is no alternative to elections in changing the state power. A free, fair and neutral election will be held," he told a press conference at AL President's Dhanmondi political office here.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said none will not be allowed to foil the upcoming elections by resorting to violence and anarchy.

BNP-Jamaat is involved in brutal terrorist activities to obstruct the democratic process in the country, he said, adding that the fear that was in public mind in the name of their so-called rally has been proven true today in their terrorist activities.

He said BNP is indulged in such barbaric activities because it does not believe in democracy.

The AL general secretary said BNP men killed a cop in a brutal attack and carried out attacks on the Chief Justice's residence and police hospital. "These were tag back of Tarique Rahman," he added.

"BNP is traditionally a terrorist organisation. The Federal Court of Canada declared BNP as a terrorist organisation six times so far. The party has chosen the path of destructive activities to foil the next elections," he said.

Quader said BNP has shown audacity and challenged the state system, while it is involved in plots to seize the state power by making the whole state hostage and capturing media.

"We have repeatedly said that BNP talks about democratic movement, but in fact they follow the politics of terrorism and they are secretly preparing for its implementation. It is taking time to return to the old shape of their terrible politics and following the path to execute their plans in time," he said.

The road transport minister said attack on the residence of the Chief Justice means disrespecting and undermining him.
 
The BNP's main aim is to grab the state power in any way by making the entire nation hostage, he added.

Comparing Saturday's BNP's violence with Capitol Hill, Quader said the BNP's terrorist activities can be compared to the aggressors occupying Capitol Hill in the United States.

The BNP men did everything in the name of movement and they showed all the atrocities, he said, adding that 30 journalists were injured in BNP's attack as they went there to cover the incident.

"They killed a cop and attacked on his body again. They corrupted the democratic system. We strongly condemn it," he said.

The AL general secretary said BNP terrorists' attack on the residence of the Chief Justice and judges complex is a vile instance of challenging the state.

He said attack on patients by entering a hospital recalls the incidents of Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Claiming that the killing of police personnel was planned, Quader said the killing of the police yesterday was a cold-blooded and planned one.

BNP terrorists brutally killed the policeman as BNP has taken the path of terrorism and darkness, he said.

Responding to a query whether the government will hold a dialogue with the opposition in this situation, the AL general secretary said the BNP has blocked the path and there is no need for dialogue with the party.
 
"We will not say anything about dialogue willingly," he added.

AL presidium members Faruk Khan, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Abdur Rahman, Shajahan Khan and Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, joint general secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organising secretary Ahmed Hossain, office secretary Biplab Barua, forest and environment affairs secretary Delwar Hossain, science and technology affairs secretary Abdus Sabur, executive member Marufa Akhter Popi were, among others, present at the press conference.