Prince slams opposition leaders’ remarks as provocative

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince on Saturday described opposition leaders’ remarks during their long march as intolerant and motivated, saying such irresponsible statements could only come from politically immature leaders.

He said their activities showed that they were looking for shortcuts to change the government instead of pursuing democratic politics.

“Talking about a seven-month-old government elected by the people fleeing by helicopter or threatening it with resignation means disrespecting and denying the democratic system and the people’s electoral mandate,” he said.

Prince made the remarks while addressing a public rally after inaugurating a wooden bridge over the Nagdhara River, built by BNP leader Jewel Karim, in a remote area of Narail Union in Haluaghat upazila of Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon.

He said those who had opposed the Liberation War and supported the Pakistani occupation forces, describing Pakistani rule as “heaven”, were now calling an elected government a “new authoritarian regime”.

“Those who disrespect the people’s mandate cannot be friends of the country, its people or democracy,” he said.

Prince said the opposition’s intolerant behaviour, provocative statements and irresponsible politics were contrary to the aspirations of the mass uprising and were creating opportunities for the ousted Awami League.

He cited alleged attempts to create disorder in Dhaka and elsewhere on the eve of the opposition’s long march as evidence of such activities.

“Just as an unripe jackfruit cannot be ripened by force, a democratically elected six-month-old government cannot be branded authoritarian by force,” he said.

He said opposition parties were free to speak inside and outside parliament and organise political programmes, while the government was cooperating with their peaceful programmes.

“Calling the government authoritarian or threatening an elected government with a one-point movement while enjoying such opportunities also reflects an authoritarian mindset,” he said.

Prince warned that the government’s tolerance and openness should not be mistaken for weakness.