Dhaka: Criticising Bangladesh government for its stance on Myanmar’s displaced Rohingya people, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said it cannot feel people’s pulse.

Speaking at a discussion, he also alleged that the government is working against humanity wearing the mask of democracy.

“Our party’s stance on Rohingya is very clear. We must give shelter the helpless people of Myanmar. At the same time, we’ll have to mobilize global opinion through diplomatic efforts so that the Myanmar authorities take them back ensuring their honour. Our government will have to take initiatives to this end as we’re the sufferers,” Fakhrul said.

He, however said, “This government can’t stand straight upholding the real face of Bangladesh as it has lost the ground beneath its feet. It can’t realise people’s pulse as it has got isolated from people.”

Centre for Nationalism Studies arranged the programme titled ‘Rohingya Crisis: State or Humanity’ at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU). 

Fakhrul denounced the continued repression on Rohingya minority people by Myanmar security forces, and criticised Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her inaction about the Rohingya repression.

“We’re deadly against interfering in the internal matter of any country. But, if any country’s internal problem creates pressure on us and put our independence and sovereignty at stake, we can’t remain silent,” the BNP leader said.

Recalling the BNP government’s role in 1993 in dealing with Rohingya problem, he said Khaleda Zia did not return the boats carrying Rohingyas. “She gave them shelter and provided them with food setting up a temporary camp. Even, she deployed one brigade of army in border to put pressure on Myanmar.”

Fakhrul said Bangladesh’s current situation is not very much different from Myanmar as those who here speak in favour of democracy are being killed, repressed and made disappeared.

“One party rule has been imposed here on us. People have no freedom, security and rights, including the right of association here. The government is doing what it likes.”