The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain Saturday reiterated the demand for immediate release of detained party chairperson Khaleda Zia to make way for joining the dialogue with the government and the general election.

"Give up all other thinking, devote everything to holding elections," he urged the government.

Delwar said BNP is a pro-election party and wants to participate in the general election.

"But, the election must be held without any condition," he said, adding that the atmosphere for the dialogue and the election must be created by releasing Khaleda Zia and her two detained sons-Tarique and Koko.

He said the Khaleda Zia's release is in the hand of the government. BNP leaders and workers and the people in general question why the government is not releasing her following the suit of Sheikh Hasina.

Questioning the government intention, Delwar alleged that they want to see split in the nationalist forces as they think if the nationalist forces could be destroyed it would be possible to implement their blueprint.

"Today, people have understood the government's conspiracy and blueprint," he said, adding, "The 4-party alliance along with the people will face all the conspiracies."

About the local elections, Delwar said the decision of the 4-party alliance remains unchanged and disciplinary action against those who will participate in the election will be taken timely.

Earlier, Prof Abdul Mannan Khan, a former Chhatra Union leader from Shibpur, joined BNP formally.