Meeting at B Chy’s house

AL, BNP to welcome any new alliance

In the wake of Wednesday night's meeting of some political leaders at former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury's house for launching a new alliance, both Awami League (AL) and BNP yesterday said they will welcome any initiative for forming a political platform beyond the existing ones, report agencies.

AL general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said he welcomes the move to form a new alliance. "We've always welcomed any initiative in favour of the country's people and democracy. We'll surely welcome those who take stance against the current illegal, unethical and repressive regime," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office.

On Wednesday night, Jatiya Party co-chairman GM Quader, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) president ASM Abdur Rob, its general secretary Abdul Malek Ratan, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Gono Forum executive president Subrata Chowdhury held a meeting at B Chowdhury's Baridhara residence to form an alliance beyond the existing major ones led by Awami League and BNP.

Fakhrul demanded the government step down following the release of the full text of the Supreme Court verdict that cancelled the 16th amendment to the constitution. "The current government has been in power unethically. The government would have resigned if there was a democratic and civilised country after the release of the Appellate Division's full verdict."

Referring to media reports, he said the apex court in the verdict said there is no democracy, human rights in the country as parliament is nonfunctional, while the rule of law missing. "They (govt) are trying to control the judiciary. There's no democracy and people's any right, including voting one. Even, the court observed that a fair election is not possible unless it is held under a neutral government.”

The BNP leader said it has now proved that the government has failed to deliver on all fronts. “It’s been in power just by force.”

“We would like to urge the government to hold the next election under a non-party supportive government quitting power to pave the way for establishing a pro-people government,” he said.

Fakhrul warned the government that it will not be able to hang onto power for a long time by obliterating democracy and dashing democracy-loving people’s all hopes and aspirations.

He also criticised the government for what he said its failure to stand by flood-hit people with adequate relief materials to ease their sufferings.

The BNP secretary general strongly denounced the brutal torture on two women in Bogra and voiced concern that the incidents of repression on women have marked a sharp rise in the country.

He also demanded the government mete out exemplary punishment to those involved in Bogra incident.

Fakhrul said their party chalked out various programmes to celebrate its 39th founding anniversary on September 1. The programmes include rally, discussion, hoisting party flag, placing wreaths at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman.

He said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia along with party leaders and activists will place wreaths and offer fateha at the mazar of its founder ex-President Ziaur Rahman at 10.00 am on the day.

Besides, Fakhrul said two discussions meetings will be held in the city on September 3 and September 11, marking the 10th release day from jail of party senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP chief Khaleda Zia respectively.

Meeting at B Chys house

AL, BNP to welcome any new alliance

In the wake of Wednesday nights meeting of some political leaders at former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhurys house for launching a new alliance, both Awami League (AL) and BNP yesterday said they will welcome any initiative for forming a political platform beyond the existing ones, report agencies. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said he welcomes the move to form a new alliance. Weve always welcomed any initiative in favour of the countrys people and democracy. Well surely welcome those who take stance against the current illegal, unethical and repressive regime, said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNPs Nayapaltan central office. On Wednesday night, Jatiya Party co-chairman GM Quader, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) president ASM Abdur Rob, its general secretary Abdul Malek Ratan, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Gono Forum executive president Subrata Chowdhury held a meeting at B Chowdhurys Baridhara residence to form an alliance beyond the existing major ones led by Awami League and BNP. Fakhrul demanded the government step down following the release of the full text of the Supreme Court verdict that cancelled the 16th amendment to the constitution. The current government has been in power unethically. The government would have resigned if there was a democratic and civilised country after the release of the Appellate Divisions full verdict. Referring to media reports, he said the apex court in the verdict said there is no democracy, human rights in the country as parliament is nonfunctional, while the rule of law missing. They (govt) are trying to control the judiciary. Theres no democracy and peoples any right, including voting one. Even, the court observed that a fair election is not possible unless it is held under a neutral government. The BNP leader said it has now proved that the government has failed to deliver on all fronts. Its been in power just by force. We would like to urge the government to hold the next election under a non-party supportive government quitting power to pave the way for establishing a pro-people government, he said. Fakhrul warned the government that it will not be able to hang onto power for a long time by obliterating democracy and dashing democracy-loving peoples all hopes and aspirations. He also criticised the government for what he said its failure to stand by flood-hit people with adequate relief materials to ease their sufferings. The BNP secretary general strongly denounced the brutal torture on two women in Bogra and voiced concern that the incidents of repression on women have marked a sharp rise in the country. He also demanded the government mete out exemplary punishment to those involved in Bogra incident. Fakhrul said their party chalked out various programmes to celebrate its 39th founding anniversary on September 1. The programmes include rally, discussion, hoisting party flag, placing wreaths at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman. He said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia along with party leaders and activists will place wreaths and offer fateha at the mazar of its founder ex-President Ziaur Rahman at 10.00 am on the day. Besides, Fakhrul said two discussions meetings will be held in the city on September 3 and September 11, marking the 10th release day from jail of party senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP chief Khaleda Zia respectively.