I am ready to face any situation: Khaleda

Claiming her innocent, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today said she is ready to face any situation to uphold the country's democracy and people's rights.  

"I am ready to face any situation. No result will be yielded giving me threat to send in jail. I will not bow down my head. I will not stay aside from my demands for ensuring people's rights and upholding democracy," Khaleda Zia said.

The former prime minister came up with the remarks while addressing a press conference at her political office in Dhaka’s Gulshan this afternoon. 

Accusing the government of depriving people from their rights, Khaleda Zia said efforts are being hatched by using the judiciary to keep her away from the election and politics.

"But the desire of establishing one-party rule in the country will not be fulfilled by doing so," she said. 

Khaleda also called upon the countrymen to continue movement in a peaceful and disciplined manner for the interest of the country's democracy, people's rights and for holding a free and fair election.

"Though an attempt is on to isolate me from you (people), I am always with you," she said.

Upholding glorious role of students and youths during the country's moment of crisis, Khaleda Zia said all will have to come forward to forge a national unity for the greater interest of the country's democracy and sovereignty.

She also made a similar call to the leaders of the ruling Awami League, who, she said, fear of dire consequence in future and believe in democracy and people's rights.

"Many traps will be set up in future. Please be careful. We don't want confrontation and anarchy. We want peace and fair election. There is still enough time, I believe good sense will prevail upon Awami League men," she added.    

The BNP chief once again underscored the need for talks to hold the next general election in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

"Please shun the path of threat and repression and hold talks," Khaleda Zia said.

The 72-year old former prime minister was talking to media men just a day ahead of the much-talked-about verdict of Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in which she has been accused along with five others including her son Tarique Rahman, also BNP's senior vice chairman.

Khaleda Zia also blamed the government for turning the entire country into a jail and called upon her political counterpart Sheikh Hasina to come forward to make the country a peaceful one.

"We have become old. Please come forward to turn the country into one of prosperity and possibility for the future generation," Khaleda said pointing finger at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.      

Khaleda Zia criticised the ruling quarter for materialising a reign of terror across the country ahead of the verdict of the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case scheduled to be announced tomorrow.

"I was implicated in a false case and a verdict is going to be announced against me tomorrow. The government has materialised a reign of terror centering the verdict," Khaleda said.

About verdict of the Zia Orphanage trust graft case, Khaleda Zia said a verdict is going to be announced as per the will of the government.

The former prime minister also blasted the government for imposing ban on holding any public gathering in Dhaka on Thursday.

Describing the government as illegal and immoral, Khaleda said the ruling Awami League has no moral courage and people's supports and thus it fears to go for an inclusive election under a neutral government.

The ruling Awami League has staged a drama in the name of election earlier and it is heading towards the same path without keeping the current parliament intact, Khaleda said.

"Awami League is hanging on to power based on its muscles power and by letting loose the state machineries against the people," she said.