Govt cannot be toppled through threats: Azam Khan

“This government is the government of the people. This government is a democratic government. This government is a government elected by the people. It cannot be toppled through threats and intimidation,” he said.

The minister was speaking at a rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Tati Dal in front of the Jatiya Press Club before a procession.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman always seeks cooperation from the opposition over the issues they raise in Parliament.

“Come, let us turn Parliament into the centre of all politics, all development and all prosperity. Criticise us if we make mistakes; we will correct ourselves. We will build this country with you,” Ahmed Azam quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

“But we are noticing that whatever the opposition says in Parliament, outside Parliament, they are trying hard to destabilise the government and the country. This reminds us of what Sheikh Hasina said in 1991. Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I will not allow an elected government to remain in peace even for a minute,’” he said.

The minister said the current opposition might not be using those exact words, but its activities seven months into the government’s tenure, including long marches and threats to topple and remove the government and not to leave the streets, indicate that it is following Sheikh Hasina’s approach step by step.

He, however, said the people do not like it.

Ahmed Azam said people want free and fair elections every five years under a caretaker government.

“They want elections where there will be no ballot stuffing, no coercion, no threats or intimidation. People will cast their votes; there will be no voting at night. Those who are elected by the people’s votes will serve the country for the next five years,” he said.

“We did not take responsibility to rule the country. We have taken responsibility in government to serve the country,” the minister said.

He said the opposition appears to believe that the government will fall simply by issuing threats.

The minister urged the opposition to refrain from what he described as the politics of sabotage, arson and threats, reports UNB.

“So, I will tell you clearly, 'refrain from the politics of sabotage, arson and threats like before. Speak in Parliament. If we make mistakes, point them out in Parliament',” he said.