DHAKA: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that his party won’t participate in the general election while Chairperson Khalea Zia is in prison.

He also put forward some demands: release of Khakeda Zia, demission of the government, dissolution of the parliament, holding elections with deployment of army.

The BNP leader came up with these demands on the occasion of the 37th death anniversary of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman held at the auditorium of the Engineers Institute in the city on Tuesday (May 29).

He, also, demanded a non-partisan Election Commission after dismantling existing one, as it is influenced by the ruling party.

“Fair election is the only democratic path to change the government. Such election will not be possible if there is no political environment for it and if the incumbent government wants to initiate a one-party rule system. Therefore, we make it clear, Khaleda Zia has to be released from jai,” he said.

Alleging that they, those who murdered Ziaur Rahman, imprisoned Khaleda Zia, he urged “The government has stifled the democratic rights of citizens. We must take vow to regain democracy, to launch formidable campaign, being united.”

BDST: 1630 HRS, MAY 29, 2018

AH/AP