Thakurgaon: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged the government to create a congenial atmosphere for forging a national unity to eliminate militancy.

“Though our leader Khaleda Zia has called for a national unity to curb militancy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina didn’t respond to it. She (Hasina) is now advocating for a national unity, but the current situation is not conducive to doing it,” he said.

Talking to reporters at his residence here, the BNP leader further said, “So, a proper atmosphere for a national unity have to be created by holding fair elections, restoring people’s democratic and basic rights. Militancy must be tackled with united efforts.”

Fakhrul said militants were not pampered in the country in the past as people of Bangladesh are always against militancy and terrorism.

He alleged that extremism has now emerged in the country as the government obliterated democracy and snatched people’s voting and other rights.

The BNP leader said it is necessary to ensure fair polls and restore democratic practice to overcome militancy problem.

About the next general election, he said BNP is always ready to join any election as it is a pro-election and democratic party.

“Our party is now taking part in local government polls. It’ll join the parliamentary polls if a level-playing field and proper election atmosphere is created. But a credible and fair election is not possible without a neutral and non-party government,” he observed.