A top leader of ruling Awami League yesterday ridiculed BNP's fresh threat of tougher antigovernment agitation, lifting moratorium on movement.

The party’s Standing Committee withdrew the moratorium Thursday night imposed during the flood and decided to launch street movement in view of the recent political development.

Reacting to BNP's decision. Post. Telecommunications and Works Minister Mohammad Nasim told UNB that "such threats and warning are not new to us, nor does it carry any significance to us."

He said since the formation of Awami League government in 1996. BNP has been launching so-called movement to oust the government, but people have now realised the futility of their agitation without any issue.

Nasim, also the Organising Secretary of Awami League. said his party would deal with any opposition movement politically as they had done in the past.

He said BNP leadership thought that the government would not be able to tackle the severe floods and gigantic postflood tasks, and lakhs of people would die from hunger.

“But BNP’s dream has turned into a bad dream as we have been able to overcome the initial impact of the disaster. In-sha Allah, we will successfully face the aftermath of the flood with the support of the people."

Nasim said seeing the success of the government in combating the flood. BNP has become frustrated. Finding no other issue, they are out to protect the culprits of August 15 and November 3 killings.

He said those who have no Eolitical aim, and no responsi-ility for and trust in democratic means, can dream of grabbing power through conspiracy.

He said the way people have rejected BNP's- "drama of movement"" in last two and a half years, the "future agitation would also be thrown into dustbin."

The Minister said as a matter of fact BNP is suffering from political bankruptcy and it has become desperate to protect the killers and their patrons. "But their conspiracy must have to be foiled."

Nasim said Awami League government is now busy with the rehabilitation and reconstruction works.

"At this time, any conspiracy to foil the post-flood rehabilitation work will be thwarted by the conscious citizens." he said.