BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday announced the Dhaka March programme for December 29 and called upon people from all walks of life to assemble in front of the BNP central office at Naya Paltan “to compel the government to accept her party’s demand for holding a free, fair and credible election”. “This march is to say ‘no’ to the upcoming farcical election and say ‘yes’ to democracy. This historic march will be brought out to show your support for credible elections under a neutral, non-party election-time government. It’s a ‘March for Democracy’.
I call upon everyone to come to Dhaka in this month of our victory and to wave the red and green national flag,” she said, while declaring the programme at a crowded press conference at her Gulshan office.
During her hour-long speech, Khaleda urged the authorities concerned to refrain from involving the Army in the ‘farcical election’, so that the military is not dragged into any controversy.
Khaleda said that there is still adequate time to resolve the current political impasse through fresh talks, and that she is ready to sit across the table. She also requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to give up her stubbornness and take steps to cancel the election schedule to save the democracy.
Khaleda said the opposition would impart ‘a greater momentum’ to its anti-government movement through the Dhaka March programme. She urged the government not to impede this “peaceful programme by any means”.
“I appeal to professionals, members of the business community, civil society members, students, young people, farmers, workers, people of all faiths and beliefs, people of the hills and plains, everyone who wants democracy and peace, to come to Dhaka on that day. Come by road, by bus, by rail, by river routes and assemble in the nation’s capital. At the same time, I appeal to the residents of Dhaka to join us,” she added.
However, the former prime minister warned the government that if it tries to place obstacles on the way of this march, the opposition would take up a much stronger action programme. “Do not block roads, do not close down hotels, do not obstruct the transportation services. Do not try to arrest or harass those coming to Dhaka. Allow every citizen to exercise their fundamental right of peaceful assembly. The Constitution has given the people this right,” she said.
“You have taken oath to uphold the Constitution. Do not violate your oath. Any attempt to deny the people this right will be resisted and we will be forced to announce even stronger action programmes. My appeal to law enforcers is that: Do not obstruct this peaceful gathering,” she added.
Before declaring this programme, the BNP chairperson also spelled out a four-point strategy to gear up the movement during the final stages. The four points include: Strengthening of coordination among all those who are already involved in this movement and those who will join this movement; strengthening the politics of resolving all national issues through people’s participation, dialogue and referendum by refraining from the politics of divisiveness; formation of polling centre-based local resistance committees and ‘preservation of democracy and sovereignty’ committees at the district, Upazilla and town levels to resist the upcoming election; and involving all sections of society to remain alert to ensure their safety and security.
Khaleda made it clear that no form of communalism would be tolerated. She directed opposition activists to reinforce action for maintaining law and order, and protect the lives and properties of all citizens in their respective areas through formation of neighbourhood watch groups.
She appealed to members of the law enforcement agencies not to get misled by a handful of self-serving, partisan members. “Preserve your sense of professionalism and protect your integrity. You are not adversaries of the people or opposition political parties,” she added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said that there cannot be any discussion on the 10th parliamentary poll, but discussions can be held for the 11th parliamentary election.
Referring to Hasina’s speech, the opposition leader said, “This is arrogance, instead of rational thinking. This is an expression of ill intent. I am urging her to move away from obstinacy. Democratic politics is the ‘art of compromise’. One does not become insignificant in seeking a compromise. In 1996, we accepted your demand in the light of national interest. Now you are in power. Accept the people’s demand and sit for dialogue. Postpone the schedule for this one-sided election and let us try to reach an understanding by respecting public sentiments”. Khaleda reminded the Prime Minister that there was no need to waste public money by holding a candidate-less, voter-less and meaningless election as this will not only stigmatize Hasina’s government, but also destroy democracy.
“I appeal to all democracy-loving and patriotic elements inside the Awami League: Do not take any stand against this country and its people. Stand for democracy, national interests and protection of your sovereignty for the hopes, aspirations and democratic rights of the people. Take a stand against autocracy and express solidarity with the people,” she said.
“A spineless and a subservient Election Commission has become a party to this destruction of democracy. It is arranging a non-participatory, fraudulent election in the name of the Constitution and depriving the voter of their voting right only to ensure the continuation of the Awami League’s regime,” alleged the BNP chairperson.
“The Prime Minister often talks of ‘election engineering’. Now the people of this country and the world is witnessing its crude implementation. This is not election, this is selection. The people are not involved in this process. No democratic political party is taking part in this election. This poll will not lead to a government ‘by the people, for the people, of the people’. It will instead be a government ‘by the Election Commission, for the Awami League, of the Awami League’”, she said.
If members of the Election Commission are unable to stand up to this undemocratic process, they should at least resign from their posts, she added.
-With The Independent input
