BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday conveyed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “democracy is absent in Bangladesh” and put emphasis on the need for restoration of multi-party democracy for sustainable development in the country as well as in the SAARC region.
The BNP delegation also discussed different socio-economic and political issues during her meeting with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hotel Sonargaon.
After emerging from the meeting Khaleda Zia told foreign journalists that her meeting with Modi was “fruitful” and held in a “very cordial atmosphere.”
The motorcade of the former premier reached Hotel Sonargaon at 3:45pm shortly after Raushan Ershad left the hotel. The motorcade had to wait for around 10 minutes at Karwan Bazar area as it reached before the meeting schedule.
BNP standing committee members—Tariqul Islam, Nazrul Islam and Abdul Moin Khan and BNP chairperson’s advisers—Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin were present during the 45-munite meeting began at 3:50pm.
Khaleda presented the Indian Prime Minister traditional Indian dress for men and a sari for his mother.
Meanwhile, briefing reporters, BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, said they have put importance on restoration of multiparty democracy terming it most importance factor for overall development of the country.
“It is important to note that democracy is absent in Bangladesh. Not only in Bangladesh, it may leave to instability in the region if there is not democracy in the country,” he said.
The BNP leader said, “Since we live in global village it is not possible for anyone to live in peace assuming that nobody would create problems.”
He said in the absence of democracy the government repression on thousands of opposition leaders and activists including party acting secretary general Mirza Alamgir Kabir also came up in the discussion.
“We have discussions over the current situation of the country that democracy is absent in Bangladesh at present, there is no rule of law in the country as well. All institutions work as per the government wish and thousands of opposition leaders and activists from the top to grassroots level have been facing repression and harassment,” he said.
“We also told the Indian prime minister that people of the country expect that they will elect their representatives through a fair election and they want to get back their voting right.”
Appreciating Modi’s contribution to strengthen democracy in India, the BNP leader said it was possible for him to achieve the highest post of prime minister as there in democracy in India.
He said the development of government without public representation is meaningless, if there is no transparency and accountability. This development cannot bring any benefit for the people,” he said.
Moyeen Khan said they have discussed all gamut of bilateral issues including development programme for youth, women, child and economic situation.
“We have put emphasis that the real development can only be ensured by guaranteeing freedom of express and accountability,” he said.
What did Modi replied to their queries, he said it would be better to ask when Indian foren secretary would talk at the press conference Modi’s visit.
“It is their part to disclose what Modi said during the meeting and it will not be logical for me to disclose it,” he added.
Meanwhile, insiders said, Khaleda Zia handed over party policy papers to Modi detailing its stand on democracy and overall situation in the country.
President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Minister for Information Hasanul Haque Inu and Workers Party president and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashed Khan Menon had also meeting with the Indian premier.
He said Modi and Khaleda had also a tête-à-tête for about 10 mutes without their aides. It is not immediacy know what they did discuss during the one to one meeting.
Indian foreign secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Sharan were also present during the meeting.
Khaleda Zia had cancelled a meeting with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in 2013 as the call coincides with a shutdown. Earlier in 2011, she however had a meeting with then Indian premier Manmohan Singh at the same hotel.
Besides, she also had a meeting with foreign minister of Narenda Modi’s government Sushma Swaraj last year.
Meanwhile, briefing reporters, leader of the opposition Raushan Ershad said the Indian premier assured them about solution to the Teesta water sharing and border problems.
“We have discussed all gamut of the bilateral issues and the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere,” she added.
Jatiya Party secretary general Tajul Islam. Ruhul Amin Howlader and Kazi Firoz Rashid were also present in the meeting. – Staff Reporter
