The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday alleged that the caretaker administration wants to hold local-body polls through its lackeys by defying public sentiment.

"BNP will not participate in the blueprint elections. Those who will take part in the local-body polls will be branded by the people as lackeys of the government," he said in a meeting with Sreepur Thana BNP at his NAM apartment.

Delwar observed people have well understood the 'matlab' (ill intent) of the caretaker government. This government wants to install those in power who will serve their purpose.

"This government wants to install slaves in power by trampling the will of the nation," he told the meeting.

However, Delwar said if local people remain united, then some handful of 'dalals' being elected cannot do anything.

"People will not sit idle when these chairmen and commissioners would reap the dividends," he said. The BNP leader further alleged that the government wants to plunder oil, gas and other natural resources of the country.

About Tarique Rahman's treatment, Delwar said he just heard that the medical board earlier constituted for him would be changed.

Without naming the name of Sheikh Hasina, he wondered over what he said discriminatory application of the law in cases of Hasina and Tarique.

"One was sent abroad for ear treatment while another (Tarique) getting fractured spinal chord is not being sent for treatment abroad."

Delwar asked the government to send abroad Khaleda Zia's two sons-Tarique and Koko. Otherwise, he said, the government will be held responsible for any consequence.

He also demanded immediate release of detained ex-PM and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Quoting Khaleda's today's remarks, Delwar said she reiterated her intention not to go abroad for her treatment as she loves the country like her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"People have perceived that all anger of the incumbent government is on the Zia family," he said, adding: "The plan of 1/11 was cooked up to ensure that BNP cannot return to power through destroying the nationalist force."

Delwar said BNP leaders and workers must carry on party activities according to Begum Zia's instructions by maintaining unity.

Meanwhile, several hundred Juba Dal workers observed a 2-hour token hunger strike on the ground floor of NAM Building no 5 to press for release of Khaleda Zia and overseas treatment of Tarique and Koko.

The hunger strikers also demanded release of former Juba Dal president and ex-minister Mirza Abbas and its general secretary Moazzem Hossain Alal.