No true democracy in country, says Hannan Shah
Awami League (AL) and democracy cannot go together, BNP standing committee member ASM Hannan Shah alleged yesterday. He said the security forces are greater supporters of the government than the ruling partys activists. We fought the Liberation War because we wanted freedom from oppression and discrimination by the Pakistani government. Our aspirations were democracy and self-governance, but it seems were still captives in the hands of an evil force.
Unfortunately, the people have not tasted true democracy, the BNP leader added.
Hannan made the comments while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on The Aspirations of the Great Victory Day and the Present Situation in the Country at the National Press Club. It was organised by Shadhinota Forum Kendrio Sangsad.
The BNP has taken the forthcoming municipal polls as a challenge, and has given the ruling party and Election Commission (EC) a last chance for holding fair polls, he said.
Earlier, the ruling party managed to win the city-centric polls by treachery. But this time I warn you that this is not Dhaka or Gazipur. You can try but wont succeed.
The polls will be held nationwide. Your blueprint for winning the polls will be in vain, as people will not accept it anymore, he added.
Hannan said only India, Bhutan and Russia support the Sheikh Hasina government. Its strange that the outgoing Indian high commissioner, Pankaj Saran, repeated the words of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the 5 January general election was constitutionally legal, he said.
The BNP leader questioned the ECs neutrality and accused its officials of being spineless and working in the governments interest. Returning officers are bureaucrats of the incumbent government.
They are completely biased to the ruling party. They are wearing masks to cover their faces as they were seen stealing votes in the past polls, he said.
Prof. Emajuddin Ahmed, former vice chancellor of Dhaka University, said it is not clear yet what would happen on the day of polling. But if the polls are not held fairly, the people will take to the streets to fight for justice, he added.
He warned the government by saying, Hitler and Mussolini couldnt survive by abusing power. Even, this government cant survive by doing so.
President of the host forum Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah presided over the meeting. Naya Diganta editor Alamgir Mohiuddin and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party president Shafiul Alam Pradhan also spoke on the occasion.
