Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that the government is trying to divert public attention from its “anti-state deals” with India through a corruption crackdown on high-profile officials and an adventurous criminal capture missions on a helicopter.

The countrymen are about to become immigrants in their own territories due to the ongoing dictatorial rule, Rizvi said at a press briefing at BNP headquarters in the capital’s Naya Paltan.

He also confirmed that all the necessary preparations have been taken for holding a “historic” procession in front of party headquarters on Saturday – with a view to securing the “unconditional release” of party chief Begum Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi went on saying that India recognised the present Awami League government despite a sham election being held on 7 January and to return the favour the ruling party is handing over almost everything of the country including its independence and sovereignty to New Delhi.

Allowing India to transport both civilian and military cargoes on rail tracks through Bangladeshi territory instead of the “Chicken Neck” corridor is an act of betrayal with the 30 lakh martyrs of 1971 Liberation War, the veteran opposition leader added.

The rail transit would erode the country’s capacity to preserve its sovereignty and keep national secrets protected, Rizvi said alleging that all the NID-related information of the countrymen have already been handed over to India.

At present, state-backed authorities are targeting past and present government officials who helped the ruling party retain power in repeated rigged elections.

As a result, many ministers, who once took cover under the alleged corrupt officials, are at a loss and sending conflicting messages, Rizvi said.

While some ministers and ruling party lawmakers are confirming that the corruption allegations are true, some others are rejecting these as defamations, he added.

Preparations for Saturday demo

BNP has completed preparations for successfully holding a demonstration in front of the party headquarters on Saturday for pressing home the demand of unconditional release of party chief Khaleda Zia, Rizvi informed reporters.

A letter seeking permission for the procession has been sent to the DMP commissioner and party leaders have also held meetings with senior police officers, Rizvi said.

He is hoping that Saturday’s procession would be a “historic event” for Bangladesh.