Dhaka (Nov 29): Announcing a month-long agitation programme, packed with tough warnings, opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia again gave the government an ultimatum to restore the non-party caretaker system for holding free, fair and credible elections.
She forewarned that a non-stop hartal would be called to compel the government to restore the system of holding polls under neutral administration and thereby “save democracy”.
The former premier and BNP chairperson further ca utioned that if the government imposed emergency in the country, that desperate action would only boomerang.
“Emergency cannot stop the people… they would break all obstacles and take to the streets to oust this government,” she said at a huge gathering in the capital.
She announced that the BNP led 18-party alliance would enforce a road blockade programme across the country on December 9 and “democracy freedom day” on December 6.
“If the government bars us from observing the programme and represses the opposition leaders and activists, tougher programmes like hartal and blockade will be announced later,” the BNP chief said at the grand rally.
Dhaka city unit of the 18-party alliance organised the rally in front of the BNP’s central office at Nayapaltan. City unit convenor and BNP vice-chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka presided over the meeting.
Khaleda Zia also announced that they would stage demonstrations across the country on December 23 in protest against misrule and public sufferings and observe Victory Day from December 9-29.
A mass-contact programme would be also held in the capital city on Dec 26 to press for restoration of the caretaker government. Khaleda Zia and top leaders of the alliance would be present at the programme.
“We are holding peaceful programme and want to hold peaceful programme in the future. “If you interrupt our programme, you will have to be liable for the consequences.” Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposition in parliament, called upon the people, including alliance leaders and activists, for observing the programme and taking preparation for the next course of action plan to realise their demand.
She also urged all political parties outside the 18-party alliance to join movement to save the country.
Khaleda deplored that the ruling-party lawmakers were telling falsehood, uttering indecent language and criticising her family members in parliament.
“No election will be held under any party in power and it won’t be allowed. The non-party caretaker government will be formed and the next election will be held under it.”she asserted.
She asked the government to hold the election in due time after restoration of the caretaker government system. “We want election. We’ll continue democracy in the country. Bangladesh is not a country of any king or any particular dynasty, it is of the people.”
The BNP Chairperson said they observed peaceful programmes to expose corruption and misrule of the government, but it interrupted the opposition leaders and activists and repressed them.
She alleged that the ministers of this government were holding posts despite committing massive corruption while some ministers without portfolio also enjoyed state facilities even after looting money.
Ruling party men were involved in looting thousands of crores of money while Padma Bridge was not built due to corruption of this government, she claimed.
She criticised the government for politicisation of judiciary and administration and said the government was using judiciary and police to repress the opposition leaders and activists.
he BNP chief alleged that the government provided firearms to Jubo and Chhatra League men for repressing the opposition while Chhatra League activists ruined the atmosphere in educational institutions through their terrorist acts.
Blasting the government for breaching all electoral promises, the 18-party alliance leader said the Prime Minister herself was always telling lies. “People lost their faith on this government as the Prime Minister herself is always telling a lie”.
“If we come to power, we will arrange jobs for the unemployed, especially for youths and women, control the prices of essential commodities and free the country from corruption and terrorism.”
“Give chance. If we fail to fulfil our promises, we will appreciate your punishment ,whatever it is, and won’t come before you.”
About the Anti-Corruption Commission, Khaleda said it turned into a liars’ organisation as they don’t make any allegations of corruption against this government, but files false cases against the opposition.”