Dhaka: ‘Let’s hold talks and reach a deal,’ said Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia to government while addressing a Dhaka rally on Tuesday.

She said the ruling Awami League should take initiatives to hold talks with the country’s political parties and create an environment to hold national elections to end the current political stagnation.

‘We have no allegations against anyone. Whatever you [Awami League] did was wrong, admit that,’ Khaleda said while adddressing the rally organised by the party marking the second anniversary of the 10th parliamentary election at Nayapaltan in Dhaka.

Khaleda Zia alleged that the 5 January election was a fabricated one.

‘Awami League killed democracy on 5 January by holding a fabricated election. So we want to observe 5 January every year as “Democracy Killing Day’’ peacefully,’ said Khaleda.

The BNP chief asked the ruling Awami League government to stop oppression, forced disappearances, killings and come to the path of democracy.

‘Many of our leaders and activists have been put in jail without any particular charge and made disappeared. Many are in jail now,’ said Khaleda.

Khaleda Zia alleged that the government makes new laws only to trap the opposition.

‘But it is not possible to stop us. People cannot be trapped,’ warned Khaleda.

Focusing on the future of the country, Khaleda said, ‘We want to stay together. Bangladesh is a small country. If people can stay together, we will be able to ensure prosperous future for the country.’

BNP observes 5 January as “Democracy Killing Day” while ruling Awami League observes the day as “Victory Day for Democracy.”