The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday demanded the release of two detained former Prime Ministers-Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina-immediately according to the expectation of the people and for smooth transition to democracy.

He also asked the Election Commission (EC) to refrain from determining leadership of individual political parties and maintain neutrality in intra-party controversy.

"Former Prime Ministers-BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina-are the peoples' recognised leaders of the country," he said, adding, "There cannot be a meaningful democratic transition keeping the two most popular political leaders in prison."

Khandaker Delwar made these demands while exchanging views with leaders of Zia Parishad, one of the many front organisations of the BNP, at his NAM Building apartment The Zia Parishad leaders went to congratulate him on his assumption of the post of party Secretary General.

Justifying his demands, the BNP Secretary General said the release of Begum Zia and Sheikh Hasina is needed also for the sake of politics.

Asking the EC to maintain neutrality in intra-party rivalry, he said the Election Commission should not direct individual political parties to hold Council Session before joining the dialogue on electoral reforms.

"How the Election Commission could say they will issue leter of invitation to us after we approach them following holding our Council Session?" he posed the question.

Khandaker Delwar said, "The Election Commission should invite us not the other (reformist) group since we are the mainstream of the BNP, which is led by Chairperson Begum Zia."

He further argued that the determination of the leadership of individual political parties is not the duty of the EC and it has no jurisdiction to do that