Dhaka, June 12 (UNB) - BNP front-ranking leader Tariqul Islam on Tuesday threatened that the opposition will announce harsher programmes changing its just announced stance if attacks on and filing of ‘false’ cases against opposition leaders and workers continue.

Addressing a press conference at the BNP central office in the afternoon, party standing committee member Tariqul alleged that the government had tried in many ways to thwart their June 11 mass rally.

He further alleged that police picked up over 100 18-party leaders and workers across the country during distribution of leaflets in favour of the mass rally.

He said JCD general secretary Amirul Islam Alim and Kamal Anwar were rearrested from jail gate even after their release on bail in a false case. “If such repressive acts continue, the opposition will throw tougher programmes changing its present stand.”

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from the mass rally in the capital on Monday announced a countrywide five-day demonstration programme from June 17.

Replying to a question over the Prime Minister’s reported remarks about Khaleda Zia, Tariqul urged Hasina to see her own face on the mirror instead.

Khaleda Zia at her Monday’s mass rally accused the Prime Minister and her cabinet colleagues of indulging in corruption.

Reacting to Khaleda’s remarks, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly urged her arch political rival to see her own face on the mirror.

BNP leaders Nazrul Islam Khan, Abdullah Al Noman, Barkatullah Bulu, Abdus Salam and Abdul Latif Johnny were, among others, present at the press conference.