The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded the government declare the country’s flood-hit areas as a disaster zone and provide relief to the victims.

Speaking at a party programme in Dhaka’s Vatara area, Fakhrul alleged that the government was busy with the inauguration ceremony of the Padma Bridge without looking at the flood victims.

‘The government was busy arranging festivals at a time when people were suffering due to the disaster. They are so busy with the inauguration of the Padma Bridge that they have no time to look at the sufferings of the people,’ Fakhrul said

Highlighting the flood situation, he said that the country was suffering from massive flooding and partially blamed India’s opening of the Farakka dam for the situation.

‘Starting from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and many other areas in the north are inundated by flood waters,’ he said,

‘Why this flood? Climate change is causing floods. But it is the responsibility of the government to deal with the flood and minimise the damage,’ he said, adding that the government is yet to reach an agreement with India on water sharing of common rivers.

Referring to the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, Fakhrul said that the government had started a new ‘song’.

‘What is that song? In Bangladesh, when the Padma Bridge will be inaugurated, there is a risk of major sabotage. Tell the nation who is causing the sabotage, say clearly. We see that you [government] have always said all these things. You sabotaged yourselves and then imposed it on the BNP. This is your character, this is your policy,’ he added.

Fakhrul said that the fire at the container depot at Sitakunda in Chattogram happened due to the failure of the government.

‘The owner of the depot is Awami League’s man. Without arresting him, without taking any action against him, a case has been filed against the injured. What does it mean?’ Fakhrul questioned.

Regarding the increase in deposits of Bangladeshis in Swiss banks, Fakhrul said that the ruling Awami League people were involved in money laundering.