PM ZIA AT BNP GRAND RALLY WARNS OPPOSITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 006335 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2015 TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV BG SUBJECT: PM ZIA AT BNP GRAND RALLY WARNS OPPOSITION Classified By: A/POLECON Counselor D. Renz, Reason(s): 1.4 (d) ¶1. (SBU) Prime Minister Zia rallied an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 BNP faithful on Dec 22, at the Paltan Maidan outdoor parade grounds, a normal crowd size by Bangladeshi political rally standards. Zia criticized the opposition for not accepting her call to resolve the national crises of bomb attacks, and warned them to refrain from giving provocative and misleading statements or "face treason charges," She dismissed the opposition's demands for the BNP government to step down, saying that the opposition should have confidence in the people and let the people "give their verdict." PM Zia said, according to reports, that the bombers would be tried under a new law for quick trial and punishment, and urged the people to help catch the remaining bombers. ¶2. (C) Ousted BNP member Abu Hena told poloff that many of BNP faithful came to Dhaka "to voice their opposition to terrorism, but the PM was more concerned about a particular person (read Sheikh Hasina) than militant Islam." Another BNP member told poloff that he was somewhat disappointed in the speech as he expected to hear more about the future of BNP/JI coalition. ¶3. (C) Awami League Whip Mohamed Faruk Khan told poloff that Zia must be "feeling very weak that she has to go on the offensive." He said that the internal strife within the BNP must be so great so that she has to appear very strong to hold the party together. He added that Zia is confusing being against the BNP government and being against the state. "It's our duty as the opposition to criticize the BNP government," he said. ¶4. (C) Comment: PM Zia's threat to bring sedition (treason) charges against the opposition if it continues to provoke dissent is consistent with previous government actions to discourage the press and opponents of certain questionable judicial appointments. It is an oddly timed tactic, however, as the government also made clear yesterday it has not brought sedition charges against any of those involved in JMB's campainge of violence against the government and political institutions of Bangladesh. End comment CHAMMAS