BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Thursday said a decisive movement with a ‘do-or-die’ spirit is required to have their party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia freed from jail.
Speaking at a discussion, he also wanted to know as to why the leaders and activists of BNP are not encircling the houses of its policymakers for their inaction to announce strong street programmes to free Khaleda Zia.
“An identical demand for a movement to free Khaleda Zia has been raised from all levels of the party and all forums and that’s how we need to launch a do-or-die movement. Otherwise, the new generation will curse us,” the BNP leader observed.
Sammilita Chhatra Forum arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 55th birthday of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said it is not justified attitude of their party leaders to remain only busy with legal steps to free Khaleda Zia instead of taking to the streets. “We need to wage a movement on the streets which will pave the way for her release. “Engaging in a movement for the release of a leader like Khaleda Zia is a matter of honour.”
Mentioning that many people were made leaders, MPs and ministers by Khaleda, he questioned what role those people are now playing for freeing her from jail. “We all know that death is inevitable and we can't prevent it. So, why can't we take to the streets in fear of going to jail or getting killed?”
The BNP leader said an uncompromising leader like Khaleda was sent to jail, but the party leaders and activists could not take to the streets seeking Khaleda’s release with a mentality to get arrested and or making the supreme sacrifice. “Thirteen people laid down their lives when India’s Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was jailed.”
“All are talking about a movement, but we the leaders, who work out policies, are not taking such a decision. So, why do you (activists) follow our instructions? Why don’t you encircle our houses when you’ve the desire to take to the streets?” Gayeshwar said pointing at BNP leaders and activists.
He warned that Khaleda Zia’s stay in jail will prolong or become permanent if the party leaders only remain busy appeasing Tarique Rahman with political rhetoric instead of waging a movement.
