BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the recognition of the historic 7th March speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage is a matter of joy.
However, he alleged that Awami League has forced students and officials to join the Suhrawardy Udyan rally arranged to mark the recognition of the speech.
"A big rally is being held today (Saturday). They're saying it's a civic rally not any political programme to mark the UNESCO's recognition of the March 7 speech as a world documentary heritage. We think it's a matter of joy," said Fakhrul.
The BNP leader came up with the comment while speaking at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) arranged by Bhasani Smrity Sangsad marking the 41st death anniversary of great national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani
"But letters were sent to every school and college with a warning that teachers will lose their jobs if they don't join the rally with their students. Bankers were also threatened that their salary will be cut if they don't go there. Students were seen taking to the rally in buses", he added.
Fakhrul alleged that Awami League is snatching all the basic rights of people and deceiving them with their false statements, says a UNB report.
Fakhrul in the discussion also urged the Election Commission (EC) to work neutrally instead of indulging in 'flattering'.
"You (govt) made the Chief Election Commissioner as per your wish. It seems he wants to bring the political parties in the polls through flattering. We would like to tell him to work neutrally and take steps impartially. You need not to flatter anyone. It's unnecessary," he said.
Referring to the CEC's comments about BNP and Awami League during their talks with the EC, Fakhrul said KM Nurul Huda tried to make BNP happy with his remarks about its founder's role in restoring multiparty democracy.
"You also tried to appease Awami League calling (Bangabandhu) the greatest human being of thousand years. There's no point of making such comments. Demonstrate your neutrality through your actions," he said.
The BNP leader urged the EC to take steps for ensuring equal scopes for all political parties so that they can carry out political and organisational activities smoothly.