Staff Correspondent
The leaders and workers of BNP and its associate organizations on Monday observed 73rd birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the party, in a befitting manner throughout the country.
After placing floral wreath and offering prayer at Zia’s grave, Khandaker Delwar Hossain and Jamiruddin Sircar told journalists separately that BNP would go to parliament for playing its constructive role to make the parliament functional.
Khandaker Delwar warned the AL-led alliance to refrain from doing any anti-people activities. “Bagging majority seats of the parliament, if the government does anything which goes against the interest of the people, BNP leaders and activists along with commoners will strongly protest it,” he added.
Jamiruddin Sircar said the newly elected government should not undermine and ignore the opposition on the basis of its parliament seats. “The opposition political party does not mean opposition in the parliament. Opposition is a part and parcel of the parliament. So opposition should not be measured according to poll results. The opposition has the opportunity to discuss and point out the ruling party’s activities and taking part in policy decision. In this regard, opposition can play a pivotal role in the parliament,” said the outgoing Speaker.
He said opposition MPs will have to continue placing their views during the sessions whether their opinions or suggestions are accepted or not and at the same time the ruling party will have to give a patient hearing to the opposition.
“We had a great expectation in December 29 general election of bagging many seats but the result was otherwise. But it doesn’t mean that BNP is finished. BNP workers are still at every house throughout the country as the party always thinks for the welfare of the people. During BNP- Jammat regime I had allocated 60 per cent time for the opposition. So, if the ruling party wants to make the parliament effective, it will have to sanction sufficient time for the opposition,’ Jamiruddin said.
Referring to the immediate past army backed caretaker government, he said the caretaker government was only responsible for amending election ordinance but practically it did many things.
Meanwhile, Khandaker Delwar Hossain in a press briefing held at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office yesterday expressed his grave concern that the forthcoming upazila election will not be free, fair and impartial due to attacks on BNP leaders and activists throughout the country.
“Around 16 activists of BNP and its different associate bodies have been killed by attacks of Awami League activists and many more were injured. Besides, BNP like minded candidates for upazila election are being harassed across the country. AL activists are imposing restriction on campaigning of our candidates. So upcoming upazila poll will not be free and fair,” Delwar Hossain said.
He urged the EC to keep close a watch on these anarchic activities for ensuring participation of BNP candidates in the upazila election. “We are noticing that AL is hatching conspiracy to banish BNP politics from the country. So the EC should come forward and play a neutral role during the election,” he said.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
