BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed yesterday alleged that international conspirators were patronising militancy and recent targeted killings in Bangladesh because the country lacked democracy now.

“Militancy will be eliminated if an inclusive general election is held and a true democratic and accountable government is installed," he told a discussion.

The BNP leader also alleged that the government was not sincere in curbing militancy.

Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, a pro-BNP body of professionals, organised the discussion marking the shutdown of all newspapers, except four, in the country on June 16, 1975.

“An international conspiracy remains active behind the emergence of militancy in the country. It is not possible to curb militancy only with the law enforcers,” Moudud said.

Highlighting the necessity of national unity to fight the challenge, he said his party would cooperate with the government if the ruling Awami League wished.

He said the government was talking of zero tolerance for militancy but it did not try any accused of the recent killings.

“It proves there is a lack of the government's honesty,” he said.

Responding to Moudud's remarks at an iftar programme, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said those involved in secrete killings were calling for national unity now.

Meanwhile, Dhaka city unit of BNP will stage a protest rally at the Institution of Engineers on Monday instead of Saturday to protest the "wholesale arrests" of people and "opposition leaders and activists" in the name of a combing operation to tackle militants, says a press release.