Dhaka – Reaffirming the 18-party alliance’s October 25 deadline for restoration of the caretaker government system in the constitution, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday night said they will build up a strong resistance together with people if the government tries to hold any lopsided election.“We’re giving the government until October 25. We’ll see whether they amend the constitution or not by the time. We’ll show theme together with people how to resist a one-sided election if they try to hold it,” she said.
The BNP chief came up with the threat while exchanging views with Rangpur division BNP leaders at her Gulshan office.
Mentioning that a fair election is not possible under the Awami League-led government, Khaleda said election will not be held under the current regime, no matter how loud they shout. “Sheikh Hasina must quit power.”
The former premier said the government is making BGB ready to suppress the movement. “We’re also making people ready to resist any lopsided election.”
Khaleda, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, urged people from all walks of life and her party leaders and activists to take all-out preparations to foil the government’s any move to hold a stage-managed election.
Terming the incumbent Election Commission a government puppet, Khaleda alleged that there are huge irregularities and flaws in the current voter list. “This voter roll is flawed, and a fair election is not possible with it.
She said the government is trying to return to power by holding the election under their own arrangement with the flawed voter list. “Country’s people won’t accept it.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Khaleda provided financial assistance to the family members of two BNP activists—Abed Ali Mondal and Bulbul Ahmed– who died in a road accident at Badarganj on their way back home after attending the BNP chief’s public rally in Rangpur Zila High School ground on September 15.
Abed’s wife Askina Begum, her younger daughter and Bulbul’s wife Hamida Khatun, two children and his mother Khadija Begum received the cash assistance from the BNP chief.
Khaleda consoled the family members and enquired about their wellbeing.
She prayed to the Almighty Allah so that He gives the bereaved family members courage and strength to recover the shock and loss they suffered at the death of their dear ones.
The former premier alleged that the government created a crisis in the country by annulling the caretaker government system using its majority in parliament.
Renewing her call to the government to resolve the crisis through discussions, Khaleda said, “Still, there’s time…. sit for dialogue to overcome the political stalemate. Otherwise, you won’t get the scope to escape because of your widespread corruption and plundering.”
She also directed the party leaders to strengthen and orginise the party in Rangpur inducting honest and dedicated politicians.
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Dr RA Gani, Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Mahbubur Rahman, organising secretary Asadul Habib Dulu, Rangpur district BNP convener Mojaffar Ahmed and joint convener Shirin Barsha were, among others, present. – UNB
