Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson's adviser Khandker Mahbub Hossain on Friday alleged that the government announced the city corporation elections to distract people’s attention from BNP’s movement as it reached its peak.

Terming the 5-January national election a ‘farce’, he also warned that BNP together with professionals’ bodies and people will resist its evil move if the government tries to stage a farce again over the city corporation elections.

Khandker Mahbub, also the president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), was addressing a discussion titled ‘Democracy: Voting Rights, Rule of the Law, Human Rights and Today’s Bangladesh’, organised by Medical Technologists’ Association at National Press Club, Dhaka.

Describing the current government as an ‘undemocratic’ one, he said it is inflicting torture on the opposition wearing the mask of democracy.

Criticising the role of law enforcement agencies, Khandker Mahbub said they are trying hard to keep the government in power forgetting their professional duties.

Alleging that the government is gagging the voice of media, he said the whole world would have known if the media was allowed to publish news on the oppressive incidents committed by the government.

Addressing the BNP men, the BNP chairperson’s adviser said, ‘Resign from the party if you fear the government and police; it’s not acceptable that you take a sleep or rest during the crisis moment of the country.’

BNP chairperson's adviser AZM Jahid Hossain, BNP’s mass education affairs secretary Advocate Sanaullah Miah, acting convener of pro-BNP organisation Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad Ruhul Amin Gazi and secretary general of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (Dab) Rafiqul Islam were, among others, present at the programme.