The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday opposed the draft of the 'Bangladesh Citizenship Act, 2016 alleging that the government has formulated the bill only to ensure the security of a particular family and some Awami League men.
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation while speaking at a discussion at a city hotel on the draft law. Pro-BNP professionals, including educationists and lawyers, attended it.
"The motive behind the law is to consolidate the ruling party's power and ensure their security. It's also formulated to give protection to a specific family and some ruling party people," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The Cabinet gave the final approval to the draft of the 'Bangladesh Citizenship Act, 2016' on Wednesday (February 1), expanding the existing scope of having dual citizenship by expatriate Bangladeshis.
He further said, "It’s clear Awami League has been working since it assumed office to restore the one-party rule in a planned way so that no one can raise voice and express alternative opinions, except them. They're also enacting various laws to this end."
Opposing the act, Fakhrul said the government is enacting such a law to cling to power by dividing people and society.
According to the draft law, he said the expatriates will not be able to engage with any political party or organisation before six years of their homecoming. "Even, they won't be able to contest local body polls. It's a bizarre law. Such a law for snatching people's right can't be formulated."
The BNP leader also urged all to create a strong public opinion against the draft Citizenship Act, 2016.
