Won't bow to violence: Bangladesh's ruling party

Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party will not accept the BNP-led opposition alliance's demands in the face of a violent agitation, it said Monday.

Responding to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's demand now would set a bad example, bdnews24.com cited joint general secretary Mahbub-Ul Alam Hanif as telling reporters.

The BNP-led 20-party alliance has been organising the blockade demanding interim polls under a non-partisan government.

At least 60 people have died in violence during the blockade since Jan 5.

Awami League leaders have been claiming that the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami movement is in disguise creating instability.

"It will set a poor example if any demand is met to pacify violence of the kind unleashed so far," said Hanif.

The BNP had earlier denied allegations of sabotage.

"If that is so, withdraw your demonstration. Let us first take care of the fire-bombers, then declare demonstration again," Hanif added.

"We give our word that we will suppress all violence within the next 24 hours if you (BNP-Jamaat) withdraw your blockade," said the Awami League general secretary.

--Indo-asian News Service

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