Dhaka: BNP senior leader Moudud Ahmed on Monday said the government will be bound to reach an understanding with their party before the 11^th parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a discussion, he also hoped that their chairperson Khaleda Zia will get bail soon in the Zia Orphanage Trusts graft case after the trial court sends its documents to the High Court, reports the UNB.

‘They (govt) are trying to say BNP will join the polls keeping Begum Zia in jail...I would like to say no fair election will be held in the country without her. People will also reject the election sans her,’ the BNP leader said.

He further said, ‘You (govt) won’t be able to arrange the polls without her. You must come to a negotiation before holding the election.’

Ziaur Rahman Samaj Kalyan Parishad organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), demanding Khaleda’s release.

Moudud, a BNP standing committee member, asked his party colleagues not to get worried about the bail of their chairperson. ‘Though unnecessary, the High Court called for record. I never heard that the bail is given after bringing the record. But the court has the right to do that, and we’ve accepted it.’

He said the apex court will grant bail to Khaleda once the records reach it. ‘I believe she’ll get bail as per the Supreme Court’s previous decisions and rules.’

The BNP leader said even ex-MP Moshiur Rahman who had been awarded 10 years’ jail term was given bail from the High Court two weeks back.

Moudud, a former law minister, said having bail is the right of any person as it does not mean acquittal from the charge.

As per the law, he said elderly, sick and female convicted persons are eligible for bail even after getting life term sentence. ‘Our leader (Khaleda) is an elderly woman. So, she has the right to get bail.’

The BNP leader alleged that the government has sent their chairperson in a ‘fake and untruth case to jail and kept her in solitary confinement showing inhuman attitude towards her. ‘I don’t know what the government will achieve by jailing her. But, I can say the country’s people know she has been convicted in a false case.’

He criticised the ruling party for what he said carrying out unilateral election campaign spending public money while BNP is not given permission for any political programme.

The BNP leader also came down heavily on the Election Commission for not stopping Awami League from carrying out the electioneering before the announcement of the election schedule. ‘The Commission should write them (AL) to stop it. Otherwise, it’ll have to create the same opportunity for BNP to seek vote for the sheaf of paddy.’

Moudud also said the country’s political scenario will be changed overnight when BNP will be there in the election field.