PM Hasina says Khaleda paved way for Ershad to take over in 1982

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday accused BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia of paving the way for HM Ershad to take over power in 1982 and enjoying various facilities from the former military ruler, reports UNB.

“Sattar (justice Abdus Sattar) was the acting chairman of BNP. Though Begum Khaleda Zia didn’t join politics at that time, she suddenly made a statement to oust Sattar from the post of chairman. I would like to say Khaleda Zia had created the scope for Ershad to grab power in 1982,” she said.

The prime minister made the remarks taking part in discussions on the condolence motion on late opposition leader HM Ershad and others in parliament.

“This is why Ershad gave them not only two houses but also many other facilities, including Tk 1 million in cash. So, BNP didn’t move for the Zia killing case at that time. After many years -- may be in 1991 or 1994 -- Khaleda Zia blamed Ershad for killing her husband.

Sheikh Hasina said justice Abdus Sattar was BNP candidate in the 1981 presidential election. In fact, then army chief Ershad had made him (Sattar) the candidate.

In a foreign newspaper, Ershad announced Sattar as his candidate. But Awami League raised objection to such a candidature and urged for holding the election in a fair manner for the sake of the continuation of democracy, she said.

Sheikh Hasina also recalled the role of former MP and National Awami Party president Muzaffar Ahmad during the 1971 liberation war and that of Indian minister Sushma Swaraj, particularly in implementation of Land Boundary Agreement signed between Bangladesh and India.