She addresses meeting of professionals
BNP chairperson and leader of the opposition, Khaleda Zia, on Sunday reiterated her commitment of not participating in any election under the Awami League. She also made a strong commitment of staying on the streets, along with the agitating people, even if all other political leaders leave her. “Stay beside me and I shall remain with you even if I am alone,” she said, amid thunderous applause and cheers by the audience, while addressing a gathering of BNP-minded professionals in the city, ignoring the government’s ban on any sort of meeting, procession and gathering in the capital beginning from the morning.
“We are not going to participate in any election under the leadership of you (Hasina),” she categorically said, reiterating her commitment of resisting any attempt of holding a general election under the ruling Awami League. “You are wrong if you think that you would be able to hold an election with the support of police, RAB and BGB,” she added.
The next general election must be held under a caretaker government as the demand for it has become a demand of the people, she said. She also called upon the people to be united for saving the nation from the grip of the Awami League.
“When you did not participate in the election under the leadership of KM Hasan in 2007, how can we participate in an election under your (Hasina) leadership?” she asked. Khaleda told the gathering that she would give her reaction to the Prime Minister’s recent address to the nation in a press conference on Monday. She urged the government to bring necessary amendment to the Constitution as there is still some time before the tenure of the present Parliament ends.
The gathering took place at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre amid high tension as the authorities had cancelled the booking of the venue in the morning. Later, the gathering was allowed with some conditions imposed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Apparently throwing a challenge to the Prime Minister, Khaleda said, “If you think you’re still popular, let’s have an equal field. People will ultimately give their verdict.” Criticizing the Prime Minister’s election campaign riding helicopters, the BNP chief added that there is no sign of election, but electioneering is on by the PM.
Khaleda vehemently criticized the Awami League and Hasina for speaking about democracy as it had extended support to all previous autocratic regimes. “The Awami League should not speak for democracy as it supported all previous autocratic regimes, including latest one led by Moinuddin and Fakhruddin Ahmed.”
Bangladesh Shammillito Peshjibi Parishad organized its national convention, 2013 with former vice- chancellor Prof. Emajuddin Ahmed in the chair. Khaleda urged the judiciary to remain in favour of the people and not to deliver verdict against them.
The leader of the opposition blamed the present government for being narrow-minded and doing politics with vengeance. “Although we made tremendous development in education health and communication, this government never mentions it,” she said.
“We do not want to see an autocratic government in the country,” she added. Khaleda demanded immediate release of all political prisoners, including journalist Mahmudur Rahman. She said the present government has unleashed a reign of terror against the opposition party leaders. She mentioned the name of Ilias Ali, Chowdhury Alam and Delwar Hossian of Islami Chatra Shibir in this regard.
The BNP chairperson also blamed the government for making the police and all institutions partisan during the present regime.
Khaleda refused to accept the Awami League as a party of freedom fighters. “Although the party claims that it fought for the independence of the country, rather, it only crossed the border and stayed there,” she alleged. She accused the government of destroying the young generation by distributing drugs among them.
Khaleda said people in the four city corporations gave a befitting reply to the ruling party candidates for the government’s repressive acts. “People have chosen our representatives in the city corporation polls. They (govt) have gone mad after the results,” she added.
Khaleda claimed that public sufferings have mounted these days following the price hike of essentials and deterioration of law and order. “Over 45 people have been killed during Eid holidays alone.”
The convention was also addressed by BNP standing committee member Rafiqul Islam Mian, Zafar Ullah Chowdhury, Ruhul Amin Gazi, Kamaluddin Shabuj, Engineer AN H Akhtar Hossian, journalist Shafiq Rehman, A F M Yusuf Haider, advocate Sanaullah Mian, Sadrul Amin, Chashi Nazrul Islam Dr Pias Karim and a host of professional leaders.
The leaders urged the opposition leader to remain firm on her demand for a non-party caretaker government during election period.
-With The Independent input
