‘Everybody in crisis, not merely BNP’

The political instability created out of BNP chief Khaleda Zia's imprisonment is not a problem for her party alone, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Friday, reports UNB.

This, he added, is a serious problem for every citizen of the country at the moment.

"The present crisis is very acute and people are living in a state of uncertainty," said Khosru, a standing committee member of the BNP and former commerce minister.

He was addressing a programme, organised by central committee of Khaleda Zia Mukti Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club.

It was arranged to protest against Khaleda Zia's imprisonment in a graft case and demand her immediate release.

Khosru said it is unfortunate that when Khaleda Zia is in custody, prime minister Sheikh Hasina is carrying out campaigns across the country seeking votes for boat.

The BNP leader said the Awami League started its election campaign one year ahead of the national elections. He, he pointed out, the government is using its police force to prevent the BNP from forming human chains, staging peaceful protests by showing black flags and distributing leaflets.

He mentioned that the BNP activists are being arrested indiscriminately and they are not getting permission for holding rallies or carrying out a peaceful demonstration which are restricting their democratic rights.

"They (AL people) have resorted to fascism and autocracy while the BNP is still in a peaceful path for protecting democracy," he said.

Khosru said the AL led government is not ready to hear the calls from foreign representatives who always ask for an inclusive, free and fair election. "Now the country is running by the 'law of jungle' where nobody can one's political rights.

Some other BNP leaders, including Ismail Hossain Bengal, Shirin Sultana and Mir Hossain Miru, also spoke.