FROM PAGE 14

a new phase of politics emerged. Those who were once oppressed and fought on the streets, some of them, after coming to power, have now forgotten the past.”

Regarding the referendum issue, Shafiqur said there is no alternative to a referendum as a legal means of implementing the July charter, something the BNP previously acknowledged. During the election campaign, voters were urged to cast two votes -- one for the party symbol and another in favour of the referendum.

“Now that very referendum is being called illegal.”

Describing the government’s position as “contradictory”, he questioned how a referendum could be considered legal before the polls but illegal afterwards.

The opposition leader said there would be no need for protests if the referendum verdict was accepted. However, if it is not implemented, protests will continue both in parliament and on the streets, he said and warned, “If the [forces] of streets and parliament converge, no barrier will be able to hold back the tide.”

He urged the government to respect the spirit of the Liberation War and accept the referendum result, saying that denial of the people’s verdict never ends well.

At the rally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis announced a three-month programme, including district-level rallies in May, June and July, and a mass procession on August 5 in Dhaka.

In his speech, party chief Mamunul called on leaders and activists to prepare for the programme.

Speaking at the event, Nahid Islam, convener of National Citizen Party and opposition chief whip, said people are struggling with rising prices, fuel shortages, and a measles outbreak. “We have tried to act as a responsible opposition and cooperate with the government. But the government has repeatedly gone back on its word,” he alleged.

Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Col (retired) Oli Ahmed and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, among others, spoke at the event.