BNP hasn't budged on its demand

The BNP has not changed its stance on election-time government, said Khaleda Zia last night, reiterating that the national election must be held under a neutral government, not under Sheikh Hasina.

“I told at a meeting with Brahmanbaria lawyers that we want an election and we will take part in it. But that election must be held under a neutral administration. It was our clear stance, but some newspapers misinterpreted it and created confusion. There is no change in our position in this regard,” she said.

Addressing a views-exchange meeting with the newly elected office bearers of Rajshahi District Bar Association at her Gulshan office, BNP chief Khaleda said, “People won't get any chance to exercise their franchise if a Hasina-style election is held. So, the national election must be held under a neutral government and the BNP will participate in it.”

She said the BNP, if voted to power, would introduce a new and positive trend of politics. “We need to forget the politics of vengeance.”

She said the BNP would remain as it is -- a people's party.

Pointing to a recent incident in which an unborn child was shot inside her mother's womb during an intra-party clash in Magura, Khaleda lambasted the ruling party men and questioned why the criminals involved in the incident were not arrested.

Khaleda alleged that the government was not standing beside the flood-affected people as it was busy plundering public money. She called upon her party men to extend their helping hands to the flood-hit people.

About her party grassroots, Khaleda said, “The leaders and activists alone will make their committees comprising competent, honest and dedicated people.”