Dhaka, Nov 3 (Just New): BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia’s release is the very first step towards fair polls and good governance, says Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury, who leads a professionals’ group of the party.
“There are several people in the government who will want to sue Khaleda Zia without any reason in an effort to demean (Prime Minister) Hasina. My message to the prime minister is beware of these people,” he said on Saturday.
Addressing a human chain demonstration by a pro-BNP professionals’ front in Dhaka, he urged the government to ensure ‘justice’ for Khaleda Zia.
“Ensuring a fair election is easy as the criminal charges brought against Khaleda are politically motivated.
“I have been saying that I do not want the charges to be dropped, but ensure justice for her. And the first condition for that is bail. Her release on bail is the first step towards a fair election and good governance. I have said that during the (Ganabhaban)talks,” said Chowdhury.
Gano Forum chief Dr Kamal Hossain-led coalition with the BNP and two other parties, Jatiya Oikya Front, went to the Ganabhaban for talks with a delegation of the ruling party’s coalition led by Awami League chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The new alliance raised their seven-point demands for ensuring a free, fair and credible election, including the formation of a non-partisan government and dissolving parliament, which the ruling Awami League deems as unconstitutional.
“On the two constitutional issues, I have said it can be addressed in one meeting and proposed for panel comprising of legal experts, like Shahdin Malik, Asif Nazrul and two others nominated by the government, which will be able to come up with a solution by 48 hours,” Zafrullah said on Sunday before blaming the government of ‘dillydallying’.
He claimed that army with magistracy power ahead of the polls will ensure the people of a conducive atmosphere.
“Media reports quoted the prime minister saying that troops with magistracy power will lead to 1/11 (military-backed administration’s emergency regime). I ask, the RAB (rapid action battalion) has magistracy power, have they usurped power?”
