Dhaka: Describing the current government as an unelected one, Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia on Monday said women are being repressed and harassed under its rule.

‘Even they (women) are being insulted in Parliament.’ said BNP chief.

She criticised Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad for his comment that women are showpieces, ‘Nearly half of the total population are women. But a responsible person told parliament that women are showpieces, hapless.’

Khaleda Zia made the statement while speaking at an iftar party arranged Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) at a city hotel.

Khaleda Zia questioned those who cannot respect women how will they run the country and ensure democracy. ‘We’d liberated the country to establish democracy and people’s basic rights, but now we’re far away from that goal.’

Mentioning that her party doesn’t want to go to power by any means, the former Prime Minister said, ‘We don’t want to go to power through violence and snatching ballot boxes. We want to return to power through a fair and acceptable election.’

 ‘A credible and inclusive election must be held. Those who will win it will form the government. We don’t want any division and conflict. We want to work together with all to build the nation through holding a fair election,’ she said.

The BNP chief further said, ‘We’ll be able to show honour to the sacrifices of 30 lakhs martyrs and materialise the Independence War spirit if we can get united for the country’s betterment.’

Addressing the programme, BDB chief and former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury urged the nationalist forces to be united. ‘We must go forward putting aside all misunderstandings and divisions among us.’