Dhaka: BNP senior leaders on Saturday urged all, including democratic political parties and institutions, to forge a greater unity to ensure the rule of people and ‘restore’ democracy by removing the current ‘autocratic regime’.

Speaking at a public rally, they also demanded the government release BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and all political prisoners after withdrawing the ‘false’ cases filed against them to create an atmosphere for an inclusive and meaningful election.

‘I would like to urge the people of all walks of life, all democratic parties and institution, let’s save the country and democracy putting aside all the misunderstandings and conflicts,’ said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Stating that Khaleda, before going to jail, called for a national unity, he said, ‘We believe a national unity will be forged. We welcome those putting in efforts for forging a national unity. We call upon them to come forward for creating a greater national unity to defeat the autocratic regime and establish the rule of people,’ he said.

Fakhrul also said the government must take steps for releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and ensure her better treatment as she is very sick.

The BNP leader renewed their party’s some demands for holding the next election in a fair and credible manner. ‘Before the announcement of the election schedule, this government must quit, parliament must be dissolved and the Election Commission will have to be reconstituted.’

He also demanded the government give the army the charge of conducting the national election.
BNP arranged the public rally in fort of its Nayapaltan central office marking the party’s 40th founding anniversary.

Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies joined the rally in small processions from across the city. 

Fakhrul alleged that the government is making various plots to hang onto power as people are not with it. ‘Now, they’re trying to use EVMs in the polls to perpetuate its power as people won’t protect them. People have abandoned Awami League and it has now turned into a politically bankrupt party.’