Md. Ashikur Rahman Ashik, Reporter || BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that domestic and foreign quarters are conspiring to put the government in a difficult position by exploiting labour unrest and creating instability in the country.He made the remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at a hotel in Sylhet city on Monday afternoon.Rizvi claimed that defeated political forces were attempting to bring workers onto the streets by misleading them. He also alleged that evidence had emerged linking leaders and activists of the Awami League to the incidents.According to Rizvi, police arrested 11 leaders and activists of the Chhatra League and Jubo League from the scene on Sunday. He further claimed that an organising secretary of Jagannath University Chhatra League had acknowledged their activities in a social media post.The BNP leader said various attempts were being made to create social unrest. However, he maintained that the BNP, which had campaigned for democracy for 17 years, believed in tolerance.He said the government had adopted a firm stance against extortion, muscle-flexing, land grabbing and disorder, adding that a zero-tolerance policy was being followed against such crimes.Referring to political movements in 1994, 1995 and 1996 against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Rizvi said people were also aware of how several political leaders faced the death penalty during the Awami League's subsequent tenure.He claimed that attempts to create political uncertainty and put the BNP in a difficult position would not succeed.Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh believed in democracy and wanted to elect a government through free and fair elections. He claimed that the BNP and its alliance, led by Tarique Rahman, had come to power through the February 12 election.He added that the people would not accept attempts to seize power through clandestine means or by using the backdoor.BNP to Prioritise Winnable CandidatesOn candidate selection for the upcoming local government elections, Rizvi said district and upazila-level leaders would consult among themselves to select suitable candidates.Candidates with greater public support and a stronger chance of winning would receive priority, he said.He added that the nomination process would gain momentum after the election schedule was announced. Party activities would be organised in line with the announced dates for voting and submission of nomination papers.Among those present at the meeting were BNP Standing Committee member Professor Farhad Halim Donar, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, central executive committee joint organising secretary Mifta Siddiqui, lawmakers Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury and Abdul Malek Chowdhury, along with other party leaders.