Khaleda seeks military, civil admin help

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia waves at the people at a mass rally at Khulna Circuit House ground on Sunday. Photo: Focus Bangla

Opposition leader Khaleda Zia Sunday sought assistance from the military, police and civil administrations for what she said "safeguarding democracy" and "development of the country".

She made the call while addressing a mass rally in Khulna to drum up support for the opposition combine's one-point agenda for restoration of the caretaker government system.

Renewing her call to wage a movement to force the government to restore the caretaker government provision, she reiterated that no election will be allowed in the country under the current government or leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

"Sensing that it will embrace a debacle if the next general election is held under a neutral government, Awami League is deliberate to hold the election (under its supervision," she said while addressing the rally at Khulna Circuit House ground.

The BNP-led 18-party opposition combine would wait till October 24 to see whether the government restores the caretaker system.

If the demand is not met, the opposition would announce fresh agitation programme, she informed.

Referring to her recent divisional political rallies, the BNP chairperson said she already received immense public response for the CG restoration demand.

"We want assistance from civil, police, army, ansar and VDP -- all administrations for protection of the country and democracy and for development and welfare of the country," Khaleda said.

If voted to power through the next general election, the BNP-led government would “introduce a new trend in running the government and practice politics of unity, not division”, she pledged.

Terming Awami League as a "criminal organisation", Khaleda alleged that the AL patronised criminal activities, killings and extortion.

She also blamed AL for vandalising Hindu temples and occupying land of the minority communities.

Referring to the government’s recent role against Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, she said, “Dr Yunus is a proud son of this soil. Stop harassing him or you will have to face dire consequences.”

Highlighting possible negative impacts of Rampal power plant on the Sundarbans, she insisted that the authorities would not be allowed to build the plant at the proposed site.

"The whole Sundarbans will be destroyed. Its waters will become polluted. There will be no animals, plants will be destroyed. People will not be able to live in Khulna region," she said.

The nation needs electricity, but not at such huge cost like damaging the Sundarbans, Khaleda said.

Expressing solidarity with the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports which marched to the plant venue in a show of opposition to the proposed power project, she said: "We're ready to work in a body to protect the interest of the country."