The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP has urged Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed to use his good offices in releasing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, her two sons and all detained political leaders before the Independence and National Day on Wednesday.

"Celebrations of the Independence and National Day will be incomplete to the nation keeping the family of Ziaur Rahman who had declared independence. The nation wants to see free the competent successors of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on this auspicious day," said a letter to the Chief Adviser signed by BNP standing committee member Dr RA Gani today.

The decision to seek interference of the Chief Adviser for release of Khaleda Zia was taken at a joint meeting of BNP with heads of its front organizations on March 19 chaired by Dr Gani. The letter said Khaleda Zia was detained for the last six months. But the authorities could not yet bring any specific charge, submit charge sheet or probe the allegations against her. "She was thrown into jail on fabricated charges and thus curbed her basic rights." "It is regrettable and condemnable that a former prime minister of the country and her family members were subjected to inhuman harassment under a heinous conspiracy. The entire nation and important personalities abroad have protested and condemned the action against her," added the letter.

BNP acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed carried the letter and delivered at the reception of Chief Adviser's secretariat at 12-30pm Later he told reporters that the party would decide the next course of action through discussion if Khaleda Zia, her sons and all detained political leaders are not set free before March 26.