No ‘Khulna-style’ polls in Gazipur, warns BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Moudud Ahmed on Saturday warned the government of dire consequences if 'Khulna-style' polls are held in Gazipur city corporation slated for Tuesday, reports UNB.

"The Gazipur polls are an acid test for both the government and the election commission. We'll closely observe their activities," said Moudud while speaking at a discussion in the capital.

Youth Forum, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail and proper treatment of her.

The BNP leader further said, "There's a tremendous public support for the Sheaf of Paddy [BNP’s election symbol] in Gazipur. We would like to clearly say the consequences will be terrible if a Khulna-like election is held in Gazipur."

Moudud, a BNP standing committee members, said they will finalise the decision on joining the upcoming elections to Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barishal city corporations assessing the Gazipur polls.

He said the time has come for their party to put up a strong resistance against the misdeeds, repressive acts, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance and filing of false cases by the government as only four months are left to hold the next general election.

"We must reinforce our strength and get united to create a resistance against the government," the BNP leader added.

He called upon the people of all walks of life to forge a strong unity to 'restore' democracy in the country.

Moudud, also a former law minister, alleged that the lower courts are defying the apex court orders regarding the hearing on the cases of Khaleda Zia.

He said magistrates are not obeying the Supreme Court as they are now not accountable to it. "They now work under the executive branch."

The BNP leader said Khaleda Zia must come out of jail on bail, and join the next election, no matter what evil efforts the government resorts to.

Moudud feared that Awami League may try to foil the next general election in fear of losing power and facing public wraths for their misdeeds, repression and corruption. "We must remain careful about it."

He said people will surely get united and restore democracy and voting rights through a movement.