Govt conspiring to hold unilateral election: BNP

Accusing the government of reviving political cases against its leaders and activists, BNP yesterday said the government is conspiring to hold a unilateral national election, reports UNB. Speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also called upon the government to create a ground for a credible election and giving democracy an institutional shape by withdrawing all the cases filed against BNP leaders and activists, including its chief Khaleda Zia.
"Awami League withdrew all the (political) cases filed against its leaders and activists assuming office after the 1/11 changeover. The government is now reviving all the cases filed against BNP leaders and activists. The government is trying to face BNP with cases as it's got politically bankrupt," he said.
The BNP leader further said, "We're repeatedly urging the government to play with us in a level-playing and open field. They're not responding to it as they want to hold a unilateral election keeping all of us in jail. The country's people will never accept such a lopsided game."
He called upon the government to ensure a congenial atmosphere conducive to holding a fair election by shunning its repressive acts. "We want to join the next polls, but a proper environment will have to be ensured so that all parties can take part in it." Fakhrul, however, said their party will not participate in the general election if a level-playing field for all parties is not ensured. "There's no question of joining the election without a level-playing field and unless the political cases of our leaders and activists are withdrawn."
He demanded the government ensure a democratic space for political parties and take steps for arranging the next polls under a non-party administration and a neutral election commission. About the Prime Minister's Bhutan tour, Fakhrul hoped that Sheikh Hasina will not return home empty-handed from Bhutan as she did from India. He suggested the Prime Minister to sign deal with Bhutan to import electricity from the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to Bhutan today (Tuesday) on a three-day state visit.

Govt conspiring to hold unilateral election: BNP

Accusing the government of reviving political cases against its leaders and activists, BNP yesterday said the government is conspiring to hold a unilateral national election, reports UNB. Speaking at a press conference at BNPs Nayapaltan central office, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also called upon the government to create a ground for a credible election and giving democracy an institutional shape by withdrawing all the cases filed against BNP leaders and activists, including its chief Khaleda Zia. Awami League withdrew all the (political) cases filed against its leaders and activists assuming office after the 1/11 changeover. The government is now reviving all the cases filed against BNP leaders and activists. The government is trying to face BNP with cases as its got politically bankrupt, he said. The BNP leader further said, Were repeatedly urging the government to play with us in a level-playing and open field. Theyre not responding to it as they want to hold a unilateral election keeping all of us in jail. The countrys people will never accept such a lopsided game. He called upon the government to ensure a congenial atmosphere conducive to holding a fair election by shunning its repressive acts. We want to join the next polls, but a proper environment will have to be ensured so that all parties can take part in it. Fakhrul, however, said their party will not participate in the general election if a level-playing field for all parties is not ensured. Theres no question of joining the election without a level-playing field and unless the political cases of our leaders and activists are withdrawn. He demanded the government ensure a democratic space for political parties and take steps for arranging the next polls under a non-party administration and a neutral election commission. About the Prime Ministers Bhutan tour, Fakhrul hoped that Sheikh Hasina will not return home empty-handed from Bhutan as she did from India. He suggested the Prime Minister to sign deal with Bhutan to import electricity from the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to Bhutan today (Tuesday) on a three-day state visit.