BNP anniversary observed: Dialogue, polls if Khaleda is released

BNP leaders led by its Secretary General Khandker
Delwar Hossain placing wreath at the mazar of Shaheed
President Ziaur Rahman marking the 30th founding anniversary
of the party on Monday. Banglar Chokh

BNP Secretary General Khandkar Delwar Hossain yesterday said BNP would join the meaningful dialogue and election after its chairperson Khaleda Zia is released.

He was addressing a discussion meeting marking the 30th founding anniversary of BNP at the Institute of Engineers yesterday afternoon.

Warning the caretaker government against transfer of power through the backdoor without holding election pledged in December next, Khandkar Delwar said, "Such attempt will be futile and the people will never accept power transfer through secret deal."

Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mojaheed, BNP standing committee members MK Anwar, Dr R A Gani, Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqi and M Shamsul Islam, BJP secretary general Shamim Al Mamun, IOJ secretary general Abdul Latif Nezami, Khelafat Majlis secretary general Ahmed Abdul Kader also addressed the discussion.

"The Government says, release of Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique is final. At the same time it opposed the bail to them. Playing such double standard is condemnable," he added.

Khandker alleged the Government did not move the higher court against the bail granted to its chosen persons. But it obstructed the legal process by challenging the bail in some cases, he said referring to the objection of bail to Tarique Zia.

Referring to the recent statements of Awami League leaders, Delwar said, "we welcomed the release of their leaders including Sheikh Hasina, Abdul Jalil and Nasim, but they are continuing making adverse comments against 4-party alliance and its leaders.

He urged the government to prepare for holding the election before the nation loses patience and burst in violence against the government.

Earlier in the morning, BNP began a three-day programme to mark its 30th founding anniversary by paying tribute to BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman at his grave.

BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain led the tribute by placing floral wreaths around 11am at the gravesite at Zia Udyan in the city.

Parliament speaker Jamiruddin Sircar and deputy speaker Akhter Hamid placed wreaths at 9:50am.

BNP leaders Brig (retd) Hannan Shah and Goyeswar Chandra Roy visited the mazar separately.

They were followed by hundreds of party leaders and activists who queued up to pay homage. Special prayers were also offered at the grave for his salvation

However, the so-called reformist faction of the BNP was not seen around Zia's grave in the morning.

Police stood guard at and around the Zia Udyan and Crescent Lake road area on the occasion.

Later Delwar told the reporters, "BNP and the four-party alliance want the emergency lifted and then the national polls first. I hope people will make us victorious once we run the polls with Khaleda Zia leading us."

Delwar called for speedy release of Khaleda and sending her ailing elder son Tarique Rahman abroad for treatment.

Replying to a query relating to Tarique's bail, Delwar said, "Appeals can always be filed challenging the High Court orders, but we'll expect that such appeals won't pose any hindrance to justice dispensation