The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has pledged for giving party ticket to honest and efficient candidates for contesting the December 18 election.

She also advised the components of the 4-party alliance to take all out preparations to take part in the upcoming polls.

The advice from the BNP chief came when groups of retired army officials, Islami Oikya Jote, Mahila Dal, former MPs, Jubo Dal, JCD and Jatiyatabadi Sangkritik Sangathon met with her separately at an Eskaton house yesterday afternoon.

Some 15 former army officers led by Col (rtd) Abdul Khaleq Howlader meeting with Khaleda discussed about the upcoming election.

"I'm against corruption. Honest, efficient and popular candidates will be nominated to contest the election," Maj (rtd) Mohammad Hanif quoted Khaleda to have told them.

Talking to UNB Hanif said that Khaleda Zia also told them that a deep rooted conspiracy was on to undermine the country's armed forces. But they are the pride of the nation and their image must be protected.

IOJ leader Maulana Mohiuddin Khan said the BNP chairperson told him that alliance would take part in the ensuing election. All components of the 4-party alliance should go for all out preparations from now to contest the polls.

Mahila Dal secretary of Dhaka City Shirin Sultana said the chairperson asked the party rank and file to forge solid unity and prepare for the election in their respective constituencies. Those left out of the voter list should get included in the list.

Later, BNP office secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi briefing the discussions with different groups to newsmen said Khaleda Zia congratulated the government for announcing the date for general election.

However, she urged the government to defer the upazila polls on 'logical ground'. It may give rise to doubt about holding of general election if the upazila polls, set for within a week on December 24 and 28, are not deferred.

Rizvi further said that the chairperson advised all the party workers and leaders to work from their respective positions keeping in view the ensuing poll.

Earlier, BNP secretary general Khandker Delwar Hossain, vice-president Rabeya Bhuiyan, joint secretaries general Selima Rahman and Nazrul Islam Khan met with the chairperson.