The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Smelling a rat in keeping emergency during the election BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday said the government wants 'selection' in the name of election. "For whose benefit the government wants to continue the emergency," questioned Khaleda doubting administration's favour to her political adversaries. She was addressing the Sramik Dal activists at her Gulshan office Saturday evening.

Upset by government's insistence of holding election within emergency rules she said, "our election agents and workers would not be able to work freely. So, emergency has to be lifted for ensuring a free, fair and neutral election. And participation of all parties in the polls has to be ensured."

About creation of a level playing ground for the political parties, Khaleda said, "government wants to hold the election keeping us handicapped, keeping many of our leaders in jail … If you do not concede to our demands, how can we take part in the election," she posed the question directing at the government.

She said BNP certainly wants to go to polls. But that election has to be acceptable to the nation.

Khaleda noted with dissatisfaction at the absence of a proper election atmosphere in the country. "Nor do we see real preparation on the part of the government and EC for holding the polls as pledged on December 18."

Referring to the Awami League activities in frustrating the polls scheduled early last year Khaleda said, "we do not want disturbances, vandalism, anarchy and lawlessness in the country. We want a free and fair election."

The BNP chairperson felt that the country during the last two years went backward 20 years in the absence of representative government.

Asking the party's rank and file to prepare for election and also for movement Khaleda admired her party activists for enduring harassment and repression because of conspiracy against BNP.

Khaleda assured them that they would return to power if the election is held free and fair. People have confidence that BNP alone can resolve the problems they and the nation are facing.

Nazrul Islam, Sarwari Rahman, Zafrul Hasan and Abul Kashem Chowdhury were among the Sramik Dal leaders present at the meeting.