The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday criticized government's "double standard" in application of law about two top leaders-Hasina and Khaleda-which he said will not be acceptable to the people.

"By dint of executive order you grant bail to one leader and detain another-such double- standard policy cannot be accepted," he said at a discussion on President Ziaur Rahman's death anniversary at the National Press Club.

Continuing his tirade against the interim administration, Delwar said, "You extend your executive hands so long as setting up courts at your whims at any place anytime granting bail to Sheikh Hasina. If so, why deny bail to Tarique and Koko?"

He demanded immediate release of Tarique and Koko, the two detained sons of detained ex-PM and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, for their overseas treatment to save their lives.

"Why do you expect double-bonus from one mission?" he said, reminding that Begum Zia has already cleared her position that she won't leave the country under any circumstance. "She is unequivocal that, if necessary, she will have her treatment at home." Delwar emphatically said that if to hold the parliamentary elections, the government must release Begum Zia. The people will not accept any plan to send her abroad without her consent.

The BNP leader said people would be happy as soon as power would be transferred to elected representatives through credible elections. He said BNP would join in the political dialogue only after release of Begum Zia. "We will not go to dialogue to put the stamp on your package," he said.

Delwar once more said the people would not accept any 'mock election' under a blueprint.

The BNP secretary general called for removing all doubts and confusions and creating condition for all political parties' participation in dialogue and election.

He called for a rock-solid unity of nationalist forces, as he observed if the nationalist forces are strengthened, no conspiracy would stand.

Presided over by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal president Humayun Islam Khan, the discussion meeting was also addressed, among others, by BNP leaders Sarwari Rahman, Shamuszzaman Dudu and Rizvi Ahmed, Juba Dal leader Adv Abdus Samad Azad and JCD leaders Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and Shafiul Bari Babu.