BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday threatened a "showdown on the streets" if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina doesn't resign immediately.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should resign immediately… The people of this country do not want to see you in power anymore. Just one US visa policy has already caused enough headache [for the government]," said Fakhrul.
He made these remarks while addressing a rally as chief guest organised by BNP's Dhaka South unit in the Dholaikhal area of the capital.
"This government will not listen [to us] easily. They [the government] have to be defeated through movement and democracy has to be restored in the country. We have to take this oath today. And now there is only one goal, if they don't listen, there will be a showdown on the streets," said Fakhrul.
The BNP rally in the capital's Dholaikhal began around 2:30pm.
Hundreds of party leaders, supporters and activists had already arrived at the rally venue around 1:30pm, wearing colourful caps, carrying placards and posters, and chanting anti-government slogans.
Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the government ministers, MPs, government officials, police officers -- all are facing visa restrictions. They are in big trouble. Not only them, but their family members will not be able to enjoy the assets they illegally amassed there.
"Khaleda Zia did not flee. She did not violate the law. Then why is there a barrier to sending her abroad for better treatment? ...... The reason is that the government fears Khaleda Zia's popularity."
"If her treatment is not arranged, the government and its officials will not find any way to escape if anything happens to Khaleda Zia," he said.
