BNP yesterday called upon the government to immediately intensify its diplomatic efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis and force Myanmar to take back its citizens taken shelter in the country, reports UNB. Speaking at a discussion programme, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the current government has so far failed to take any right decision on Rohingya issues as it remains 'enchained'.

"You (govt) couldn't take any correct decision on the Rohingya issue as you're enchained. Even, you can't take any decision on your own... the country's people and we want the Rohingya crisis to be solved immediately," he said.

The BNP leader further said, "We also want the fleeing Rohingyas to be given shelter, food and healthcare. We demand the government strengthen its diplomatic efforts so that Rohingyas can be repatriated to their country with dignity.”

BNP organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the party’s 39th founding anniversary.

Fakhrul came down hard on Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for his comment that BNP is doing ‘foul’ politics over Rohingya issue. “You’re accusing us of doing foul politics as we’re talking about the persecution on Rohingyas.”

He said it is Awami League not BNP that has long been indulging in foul politics. “You’ve started doing such politics in 1972 by enacting the Special Power Act, snatching people’s rights, press freedom and establishing one-party politics the 4th amendment.”

The BNP secretary general said their party is talking in favour of hapless Rohingyas who are being evicted from their houses, property and motherland as their party’ always does politics for people and humanity.

He said though the Indonesian foreign minister and Turkish foreign minister and first lady visited Bangladesh over Rohingya problem, the government is playing a ‘silent’ role in resolving it. Criticising the government for what he said repressing their party men, Fakhrul said the government even obstructed their party’s Friday’s human chain programme on Rohingya issue at different parts of the country.

“I would like to ask you why you fear us so much. We know you do it as you know you’ll lose your existence if BNP takes to the streets and joins the next election. We want to say the next election must be held under a non-party supportive government with the participation of all parties.

Speaking at the programme, party standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the government is conspiring to hold another Januar-5, 2014 like election by force keeping BNP out of it. He said the next polls must be held under a non-party supportive government so that people can exercise their right to franchise and all parties can take part in it. The BNP leader said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia will present the framework of the election-time supportive government once she returns home from London completing her medical treatment.