Bangladesh opposition voices anger over attack on Zia convoy
Bangladesh's opposition has accused pro-government supporters of trying to kill their leader Khaleda Zia after her car was attacked by a mob in the capital, Dhaka.
Zia’s vehicle was shot at and stoned by a mob on Monday evening during her campaigning for Dhaka's mayoral elections. Several of her security staff were injured in the violence.
Moudud Ahmed, Zia's top deputy in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said in a statement on Tuesday that the attack was "planned and aimed to kill her," adding, "This is a reflection of the government's fascist and undemocratic mentality.”
Fazle Elahi Akbar, a retired general who heads the BNP chief's private security team, also blamed the government for failing to provide Zia with adequate security.
"Her car was hit by a bullet fired from a pistol from a reasonably close range," Akbar said, adding, "If it penetrated it would obviously hit her. She survived because she was in a bullet-proof car."
"We are extremely concerned and we hope the government would take appropriate measures to ensure her security," Akbar said.
The BNP has previously accused security forces of being behind attacks on its members.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina meanwhile accused Zia, her archrival, of making an unnecessary "drama" out of the incident.
"Khaleda Zia is staging drama.... She should stop such activities for the sake of a free, fair and transparent election," media outlets quoted the premier as saying.
Analyst says the incident would fuel tensions in the volatile capital ahead of polling for mayoral elections on April 28.
Zia has been confined in her office at the opposition headquarters in Dhaka since January 3. She left her office April 5, for the first time in three months, as a sign of easing tensions after deadly protests plunged the country into political crisis.
Zia has stepped up protests as part of efforts to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Hasina and pave the way for new parliamentary elections.
Hasina, who was re-elected in January 5, 2014 polls, has warned Zia of “dire consequences” if the protests continue. The elections had been boycotted by the opposition.
JR/KA/SS
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