Reaffirming that they do not want any violence in the country, opposition leader and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Wednesday urged the government to create a congenial atmosphere for the next general election through discussions.
“We don’t want any conflict and violence in the country. We want a free and fair election under a non-party government. I would like to ask the government — still there’s time. Let’s create an atmosphere for holding the election under a non-party government through discussions,” she said.
The opposition leader was talking to reporters after exchanging greetings with people from all walks of life, including diplomats of different countries, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
Observing that country’s people worried over the election, Khaleda said they want a free and fair election in the country. “And that election is not possible under this government. Only a non-party government can ensure a fair election.”
Issuing a note of warning, she said if the government tries to hold a lopsided election in the country, they would resist it through forming centre-wise ‘sangram committees’.
About the opposition’s October 25 rally scheduled to be held in the capital, the BNP chief said no one has any right to stop them from holding the rally. “The government must let us hold the rally as the country does not belong only to it.”
Alleging that the government is going to arrange one-sided polls using muscle power, she said country’s people will not accept any election to be under a party government.
She also alleged that the government scrapped the caretaker government provision from the Constitution in a bid to return to power.
About the government’s plan to continue the parliament session even October 24, Khaleda said, “How will parliamentary elections be held with a parliament already in place? How will a sitting MP compete in the election? This can’t be accepted.”
She also alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conducting election campaigns enjoying all the administrative facilities. “But we, the opposition, aren’t getting any facilities. Even DCs do not come to meet me if go anywhere as the opposition leader. Then how a level-playing field will be created for all in the election?”
The opposition leader also thinks that many could not offer qurbani due to financial problems caused due soaring prices of essentials. “Country’s people are starving whereas the ruling party men are sitting on the hills of looted money. There’s all-pervasive corruption in the country. Country’s people want to get rid of this government.”
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi and British High Commissioner Robert Gibson, among other diplomats, joined the function.
Source: UNB Connect
