Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday accused the government of trying to make its political gains by using militancy issue.

Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is violating the election code of conduct by seeking votes for her party’s election symbol ‘boat’ using state facilities before the announcement of the next election schedule.

“The militancy issue is still a mysterious one to people. They’re not sure whether proper action is taken against militant and to curb extremism. We think the government is trying to make political gains by using the issue,” he said.

Fakhrul came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave together with’ the leaders of newly formed Narayanganj district unit committee.

The BNP leader said a vested quarter is working to establish militancy in the country. “We have also observations that proper investigation is not carried out into the incidents relating to militant acts and drives,” he said.

He alleged that a few of those made accused of having link with militancy and arrested in this connection have been put on trial. “Most of them were killed without any trial.”

Fakhrul said there is a big difference between the statements and statists of the government and the international organizations over the issue. “Even, the statements of different government agencies, including police, Rab and counter-terrorism unit about militancy are contradictory.” 

About the Prime Minister’s call to voters to vote for her party in the next polls, the BNP secretary general said, “The Prime Minister who is also the Awami League President has so far held two public rallies using all the state facilities and sought vote for boat. It’s undoubtedly the violation of the election code of conduct.”

He said Awami League’s attitude manifests that the party is again trying to hold a unilateral election like the one it held in 2014 one by blocking the path to the opposition to join it.

Fakhrul, however, warned that the government will not be allowed to hold another lopsided election this time. “People in no way will accept any such polls.”

The BNP secretary general also said BNP has preparations to join the election whenever it is held as it is a pro-election party.

He said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia will very soon place her party’s proposal on election-time supportive government.