Bangladesh’s main opposition leader has demanded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down in order to ease the ongoing political turmoil in the country.
Khaleda Zia said in an interview on Wednesday that there could be no resolution of the worsening political turmoil in Bangladesh unless Hasina agrees to stand down, adding that resignation would pave the way for fresh elections.
“Every conscious and conscientious person in Bangladesh knows that the only way to resolve the current political crisis is to hold an inclusive, competitive and meaningful election,” media outlets quoted Zia as saying.
“The more quickly it can be arranged, the better it is for everyone. If it is delayed, the crisis could become even more complex.”
Zia, the leader of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP), also noted that she wanted to reach a consensus on the framework for the elections with her archrival Hasina.
“We said a fair election should be held based on consensus of all parties and through talks. We want that,” she stated.
Bangladeshi authorities have recently put more pressure on 69-year-old Zia, who has been confined in her office at the opposition headquarters in the capital, Dhaka, since January 3.
On January 6, Zia, the former prime minister, called for a nationwide transport blockade as part of efforts to overthrow the Hasina administration.
Since the start of the blockade, over 80 people have died and a large number of cars and buses have been set ablaze or damaged. Several trains have been also derailed.
Hasina, who was re-elected in the January 2014 elections, has warned Zia of “dire consequences” if such incidents continue. The election had been boycotted by the opposition.
Source: Press TV
