Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has stood as a rival of the judiciary following the Supreme Court's verdict that revoked the 16th constitutional amendment.

"The statements of the finance and health ministers (over the 16th amendment verdict) have clearly manifested that this regime has taken a stance of opponent against the judiciary," he said.

The BNP leader further said, "The Supreme Court has reflected people's views through its various observations in the verdict. So, the country's 16 crore people have the support to the observations."

Fakhrul came up with the comment while inaugurating their party's member collection programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum on the ground floor of Dhaka Bar Council.

He criticised the cabinet members for making 'unguarded' remarks at their Monday's meeting on the Supreme Court verdict that revoked the 16th amendment. "I'm not sure, but you (lawyers) can say it clearly whether it is tantamount to contempt of court the way some ministers and Awami League leaders talked about the verdict."

The BNP leader also accused the government of trying to create dispute among the three basic pillars of the state in a planned way to destroy them. "They've already created a conflict between the judiciary and parliament."

He claimed that the government has lost its moral rights to hang onto power the day the apex court released the full text of its verdicts on the 16th amendment. "The government would have resigned on that day had it the minimum trust in democratic values."

Fakhrul called upon the government to quit on moral ground by handing over power to an interim supportive government for holding an inclusive election.

He urged the lawyers to come forward to protect democracy and people's all rights, including voting one.

Voicing deep concern over the rise of killing and rape incidents, the BNP leader said law and order situation has seriously deteriorated as the ruling party men are engaging in various crimes and infighting.