BNP will never compromise with AL: Nazrul Islam

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan today said his party will never compromise with the Awami League and will not even allow other parties to do that.

"While we are alive, will anyone compromise with the Awami League? We are not doing this, but if someone else tries, we will even stop them," he said.

He made the remarks at a discussion organised by the 12-party alliance at the Jatiya Press Club.

"It's being said that we will rehabilitate Awami League or stand in favour of them. What's the point of this nonsense? Is this even possible?" asked BNP leader Nazrul.

The BNP leader further said, "Some are spreading propaganda that we want to rehabilitate the Awami League. Just think for a moment—this is the party that has oppressed us the most using state machinery, made our leaders and activists disappear, and murdered them. They kept BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia imprisoned for six years on false charges."

"They obstructed our acting chairman Tarique Rahman from returning home. His brother [Arafat Rahman Koko] died for not being allowed to visit Malaysia for treatment. He couldn't even see his mother or brother. He [Tarique] could not attend his funeral," he added.

Expressing confidence about Tarique's return, Nazrul said, "I am not anxious about his return. I don't believe any force or conspiracy in Bangladesh can ultimately stop him. Do you think they can?"

"Tarique Rahman is a law-abiding citizen. He doesn't want to return by defying the law," he added.

The BNP leader said, "Some newspapers and TV channels have tried to portray him as a monster, as if he has committed massive crimes. They've accused him of amassing huge wealth and committing all sorts of corruption abroad."

"…but none of these corruption allegations could be proven. Only in one case was he convicted, and even then, the trial court had acquitted him. Later, a judge of the higher court—who was a former Chhatra League leader—sentenced him. No other corruption charges could be proven against him."

Questioning the delay in holding the national elections, BNP leader Nazrul said, "What's the obstacle to organising the elections by December? The government must explain why there's a delay."