Khaleda’s Release Repression can’t stop movement

Claiming that police obstructed BNP's procession and arrested its men, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the government won't be able to stop people from demanding release of Khaleda Zia by carrying out repressive activities.

He was addressing a rally in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office in the capital, demanding release of the party chairperson from jail.

"The government thinks it can obstruct the movement seeking Khaleda Zia's release by oppression. But they have forgotten that one cannot linger on in power through such oppression. The people's just demand can never be suppressed by oppression," he said.

Asks a woman to steer clear of the office. The BNP held the rally to demand that its Chairperson Khaleda Zia be released. Photo: Amran Hossain

Terming the current government illegal, Fakhrul said it captured power forcefully and was ruling the country without people's mandate. "The government resorted to repression and torture to establish a one-party rule. Today, people have no confidence in this government."

He also alleged that 25 lakh BNP leaders and activists were put behind bars.

The BNP leader said they appealed to the government for Khaleda's proper treatment and release as she was extremely sick.

Khaleda has been behind bars since on February 8, 2018, when she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

Later that year, she was found guilty in another graft case. However, her party claims both cases are politically motivated.

The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) since April 1 last year.