Leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia on Thursday called upon the government to widen the path for dialogue and consensus between the government and the opposition by suspending the election schedule, releasing of opposition leaders and activists and stopping killing, harassment and arrest them.“It is important to create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue to expand the path of consensus. But it is regretful that no opposition leaders and activists were released, no case was withdrawn and the loyal Election Commission did not suspend the schedule of farcical election,” she said in a statement.
The BNP chairperson further said that the closed offices of the political parties and newspapers offices had not yet been opened, restriction on holding of peaceful rallies was not withdrawn and killing and bloodshed of agitators were not stopped.
Referring to the talks between the government and the opposition negotiated by UN emissary, she said it has renewed hopes and aspirations of the people.
“I do hope, they will take the expectation of the people into consideration and move towards peace and consensus by shunning their stubborn attitude,” she added.
She urged the people to remain alert against the provocation, sabotage and propaganda by the government to bypass the people’s movement.
Khaleda accused the government of resorting to different adventurist acts to mislead the people about the ongoing democratic movement.
She prayed for the salvation of departed souls of those who were killed in Luxmipur and elsewhere during the movement to establish the rights of the people.
The BNP chief expressed her sympathy with the families of the dead and those who suffered injuries.
She said the opposition movement was to relieve the people of the crisis, establish democracy and rights of the people and restore peace and normal situation.
The opposition leader expressed her optimism that they would be able to reach their desired goals to transfer of power thorough holding a participatory election and establishing a government of people’s choice.
She said if all the restriction on holding rallies are withdrawn it would lead to surge of people on the streets and if a fair election is held the people would reject them. “Realising it they have resorted to repression on the opposition and moving towards holding a lopsided poll.
Khaleda said the government would have to bear the responsibility of the incidents of attacks, killing of ordinary people and sabotage in different parts of the country.
In this regard, she urged the opposition leaders and activists to remain alert so that ordinary citizens do not suffer. “We have repeatedly said that our movement will be peaceful and democracy one,” she added.
The BNP chairperson said, the country is now facing a deep crisis which was apprehended by different political parties and socio-cultural organisations and civil society people.
The government did not accept the public opinion but they identified our call for restoring peace as our weakness. The country is now at the verge of ruination due to whimsical decision of the government, she said.
The BNP chairperson thanked UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and the initiative taken by different countries including the USA, European Union, the UK, Australia, Canada, China and Japan to resolve the political impasse.
She urged India to express its solidarity with world community by showing respect to aspiration and demand of the majority of people.
Khaleda alleged that the government has been using law enforcing agencies and the administration as party cadres creating the impasse in the country. – Staff Reporter
