There's debate on number of martyrs: Khaleda

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Monday said there is a debate over the number of martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of independence during the Liberation War.
The former prime minister raised the question about the figure of Liberation War martyrs while speaking at the freedom fighters' rally at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka.
“There's a lot of debate over the actual number of martyrs. It is said that such and such lakh [30 lakh or 3 million] embraced martyrdom during the war. How many martyrs are there in reality?" said Khaleda.
In oblique reference to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the BNP leader said, “He didn’t want independence, he desired to be the prime minister of erstwhile Pakistan. The country would not have been liberated unless Ziaur Rahman proclaimed independence.”

In the context of fear of rigging and manipulation in the ensuing municipal elections, Khaleda Zia demanded deployment of army personnel to ensure free and fair atmosphere during the ballot.

“BNP will come out winner in 80 per cent municipalities if voting is free and impartial,” she said.
Mentioning the partisan municipality polls as a trick of the government, Khaleda Zia said, “They (government) will snatch the ballots and will show that people are not with Sheaf of Paddy; but in favour of Boat.”
Khaleda Zia termed the election commission ‘worthless and spineless’ and said, “The AL leaders are violating the code of conduct and still no action is taken against them.”
“Awami League is keeping war criminals in their side and making them ministers. No action is taken against them,” she said.
“BNP also wants action against war criminals. But that should be of international standard and transparent. There should be scope for defence,” she added.