DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday claimed that the government failed to ensure security to the city dwellers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BNP leader made the allegation in a press conference in BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan.

He said, “The people of the country became afraid because of the arrest trade of police and extortion of the government-patronized gang. Police are harassing the opposition people for money.”

Not only the cadres of party leaders but also the police and government-patronized gangs are taking extortion from the famous markets of the city, he alleged.

The BNP leader said the price of essentials has become higher ahead of Ramadan that made people helpless.

He also alleged that the police are torturing around the country as they stormed into some former ward commissioners’ house and misbehaved with their family members, vandalized the houses.

Rizvi urged the people to join the all-out movement to oust the Awami League (AL) led government after the Eid festival.

Office Secretary Asadul Karim Shahin, general secretary Mir Shafarat Ali Shafu of Swechasebak League and executive committee member Sultan Salahuddin Tuku were among others present at the press meet.

BDST: 1425 HRS, JUL 16, 2014