The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Former premier and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia Thursday called for united efforts for restoration of democracy to get over the "dismal situation" in the country.

Talking to reporters at an Eid reception at Eskaton Ladies Club, she said people are living in extreme plight and for that she could not feel happy on this happy occasion. However, she said she felt better observing the eid amidst people which she could not do last year for having been held in jail.

"Condition of the people and the country is not good. It needs to overcome the situation and that requires switchover to democracy," the immediate-past Prime Minister said, adding that all will have to make concerted effort for restoration of democracy.

Khaleda said she has three families-her own family, the country and BNP. "I wish everyone may live in happiness."

She hoped that people would be able to celebrate next Eid-ul-Fitr after Ramadan in a democratic atmosphere under an elected government.

The BNP chairperson, arrested under a purge in the interim period and set free on bail recently, exchanged eid greetings and pleasantries with foreign diplomats, including those of the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and Saudi Arabia.

She also exchanged greetings with representatives of different professions, including editors, lawyers, doctors, engineers, ex-MPs and cross-sections of people from 11:30am to 1pm.

Later, Khaleda went to slain President Ziaur Rahman's mazar and offered fateha.