The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Secretary general of pro-Khaleda BNP faction Khondoker Delwar Hossain yesterday alleged that conspiracy is being hatched to destroy the political parties in the country with an ill motive to form a 'puppet Parliament'.

"There is a move to form a 'puppet Parliament' in the country. The conspiracy is being hatched to provide legitimacy to the activities of the present government by brining amendment to the Constitution," he said at a press conference at his NAM Flat residence.

Khondoker made this comment a day after the Anticorruption Commission pressed charges against Begum Khaleda Zia and some reformist leaders of BNP in the GATCO graft case.

The BNP leader observed as part of the conspiracy, cases are being filed against BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia one after another.

Demanding withdrawal of the GATCO case, he said giving charge sheet against Begum Zia in the case a part of the conspiracy to divide the BNP.

"Conspiracy and blueprint is clear to the countrymen. They will never accept such conspiracy. BNP and people of the country will not take part in a farcical election," he observed.

Khondoker Delwar alleged that cases are being filed against Begum Zia to keep her from the election process and to tarnish her image.

"Cases are being filed like as series bomb blasts across the country. It is out of speculation as to how many cases will be filed from this factory," he said.

Replying to a question he said the pro-reform leaders of the party would hopefully ponder a little and learn a lesson from the GATCO case.

Khondoker Delwar condemned the inclusion of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in the GATCO case charge sheet. The charge sheet named 24 people, including former finance minister M Saifur Rahman and former local government minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, as co-accused with Khaleda.

"It is a pity that our popular leader has been implicated in this fabricated GATCO case. This has been done to malign and keep her off the political scene," he said.

The BNP secretary general hoped that his party would win the majority of electoral seats if the elections were held properly and fairly with the two leaders leading their parties.

Commenting on judiciary, he said, "The hand of justice has been seemingly curbed and painted black. It curtailed the last refuge of the poor and the helpless. But the Appellate Division has failed to fulfil the expectations of the grassroots people."

Among others, BNP vice-president Sarwari Rahman, joint secretary general Selima Rahman and acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed were present at the press conference.