Stating that the recent militant incidents are unauthentic, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Monday alleged that the government is using the militancy issue as a weapon to perpetuate its power.

‘The government uses the militancy issue to mislead people whenever it falls in any trouble. In fact, the issue is created by them (govt) and they’re now propagating it to hang onto power by force,’ he said.

Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, came up with the allegation while speaking at a discussion arranged by Chetanai Bangladeshi Jatiyatabad, a pro-BNP platform, at the National Press Club, reports UNB.

He alleged that the government is staging a drama over curbing militancy to give foreign countries a message that they are very active against extremism, and Awami League needs to stay in power to tackle it.

Referring to some recent incidents relating to militancy, the BNP leader said the government has carried out the incidents ahead of the Prime Minister’s India visit so that she can make an excuse of changing her schedule thrice. ‘She’ll also say all in Bangladesh will become militants if I don’t remain in power.’

He described India as a brotherly country of Bangladesh and suggested the Prime Minister to realise the nation’s justified demands through hard negotiations during her visit to Delhi.

The BNP leader also urged the Prime Minister to take steps for signing a deal with India to ensure Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta water.

He also said the next election must be held under an election-time supportive government as their chairperson Khaleda Zia will soon place its framework before the nation.