BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday alleged that the Awami League government is providing shelter to numerous corrupt individuals like Aziz Ahmed and Benazir Ahmed, reports UNB.

"Where are now Benazir (former police chief Benazir Ahmed), Aziz (former army chief Aziz Ahmed), Matiur (revenue officer Matiur Rahman) tod? he questioned.

"In Bangladesh, there are numerous individuals thriving under the shelter of the government, who have amassed crores of taka by plundering and made homes abroad. They also created mansions with swimming pools to swim at night. These people must be exposed, or the people of Bangladesh will never forgive you," the BNP leader said.

Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, criticised the Awami League general secretary for his political rhetoric supporting the government amidst increasing allegations of corruption against government officials.

“The people of Bangladesh are very conscious. You’re in power with the support of a few bureaucrats. You have not been able to win over the people of Bangladesh for a single day,” he claimed.

Projonmo Bangladesh, a pro-opposition platform, organised the demonstration programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against the ‘illegitimate government's illegal agreement with India.

Farroque said the ruling party, which came to power through what he described as a sham election, also orchestrated a similar process in upazila polls involving relatives of Awami League leaders, going against the will of the country’s people.

“Awami League, which destroyed democracy by standing in parliament for five minutes and made MPs by bringing ballot boxes by helicopter, has once again usurped power through the controversial elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024,” he said.

The BNP leader strongly opposed the Indian government's plan to develop a network of railway tracks through Bangladesh to connect the northeast region with the rest of India.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan