BANGLADESH

The BNP on Sunday called for a proper enquiry into December's failed military coup and go public with the findings, warning that finger-pointing could worsen matters.

The largest party in opposition formally reacted to the prime minister's suggestion on Saturday that it may have a hand in the aborted attempt to topple her government.

"The government has made questionable the credibility of the issue under investigation before the civil society and international community by making politically motivated and incomplete statements," the party's spokesperson Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

The army said on Thursday that it had foiled a coup attempt by retired and serving officers last month.

Reading out a written statement at a press briefing at the party chief's Gulshan office, the acting secretary-general added that the government is trying to gain an advantage by 'fishing in the troubled waters' before an investigation into the sensitive issue is complete.

"They have given instructions to point the finger at the opposition party in describing the incident, which is a part of their conspiracy to make the armed forces controversial."

Mirza Fakhrul added that BNP always believed in constitutional politics. "We have confidence in the policy of forming government with the mandate of the people and changing government through free and fair elections."

On Thursday, the army said in a rare media briefing said some hardline officers were planning to overthrow the democratically elected government with the assistance of non-resident Bangladeshis.

Even though various ruling party leaders hinted at the opposition party's involvement in the incident following the briefing, Mirza Fakhrul began the briefing by expressing relief that the coup attempt was foiled.

"We are as much worried as the people are after reports about the incident emerged," he said and added that the party was pleased that no 'bloodshed or violence' occurred and that non-military rule and the constitution have prevailed.

He urged the government to not use the armed forces for partisan purposes. "Coup attempt in the army is a warning sign. We hope that the army will not fall prey to any large blueprints or conspiracies."

Fakhrul said 'unity' and 'discipline' were essential in these times and added, "Pointing the finger and blame games will not bring success for any of us, and might worsen the situation further."