In an apparent climbdown, Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia has said the door to an agreement with the government to end the political deadlock is still open.
However, the BNP Chairperson did not clarify whether the Opposition bloc she leads would put an end to the current spate of violent blockades battering the country.
“There is still chance to reach an understanding by quitting the path of torture, suppression,” the Opposition Leader said in an appeal to the government in a statement issued on Monday evening.
She also urged the Election Commission to put the preparations for the parliamentary elections on hold.
Her call came on the third day of the 18-Party alliance’s countrywide blockade of road, rail and water transport.
The Opposition Leader called on the administration, including police, not to “go against the people”.
In the statement signed by her Press Secretary Maruf Kamal Khan, she called on the people to carry on with their movement peacefully.
Blaming the government for the present unrest, she said its nature suggested it was a handiwork of the Awami League ‘terrorists’.
She alleged that they had earlier tried to destroy the garment industry.
The BNP chief said the government had remained nonchalant despite friendly countries and the United Nations expressing concern over the prevailing situation in Bangladesh.
“They have failed to comprehend t the present situation and are trying to play petty politics,” she said.
She said ‘our office’ was kept under siege by Awami League ‘terrorists’ backed by the law enforcers.
“(At the same time the government) is claiming that there is a climate of democracy and election. None will accept it.”
Khaleda said the way the government was arresting the Opposition leaders without ‘identifying and arresting the culprits’ suggested that the atrocious acts were being carried out in a planned way.
Bashing the government for its interference in the affairs of the media, she said they shut several private TV channels and newspapers for “presenting news objectively” and criticising them.
“Today one-sided anti-Opposition propaganda is being pursued by the state and pro-ruling party media. An imbalanced and unusual environment has been created through suppression of divergent opinions.”
She condemned the bomb attacks on passenger vehicles, Khaleda said she was astonished to see that ‘these heinous attacks’ were being carried out amid highest alertness of the law-enforcing agencies at different parts of the capital.
The former Prime Minister prayed for those killed during the agitation and expressed sympathy for the injured and the families of the victims.
The BNP chief complained that she could not do her usual work as the Opposition Leader because of ‘visible and invisible’ activities of police and detectives.
She was critical of the police raid on the BNP office at Naya Paltan and said such activities in the month of victory were reminding the people of the attacks of the Pakistani occupation force in 1971.
Source: Bd news24
Most of the candidates taking part would be elected “UNCONTESTED” because no opposition candidate would participate in the election under Hasina. And as such the outcome would not be accepted either by the Bangladeshi “JONOGON” or the international community at large excepting India.
GENERAL ERSHAD’S JP WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ELECTION WITHOUT ALL PARTIES TAKING PART:
Gen Ershad never committed that his party WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ENSUING ELECTION UNCONDITIONALLY”. He said IF ALL THE OTHER PARTIES TAKE PART IN THE ELECTION, HE WILL AND AS SUCH ASKED THE BNP & ITS 18 PARTY ALLIANCE TO PARTICIPATE. UNDER THAT CIRCUMSTANCES HE WILL PARTICIPATE & CONTEST EVERY SEAT.”
Now he has, like most people seen that 18 party alliance would not participate hence he stood his ground and reaffirmed his earlier commitment. As a result his party will unite and that will help foiling the Awami effort to install an one party BAKSAL of Hasina’s father,reappearing again to destroy democracy and put country’s independence in question.
Sengupta & Mr Hanif’s “HOPE” that J.P. will take part in the election and the General would change his mind is just a hope in sheer desperation. Most of all, Indian government’s guidance and hold on the Awami League has given cause for concern to Gen Ershad and most of his party’s stalwarts.