The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Welcoming the Election Commission's for announcing fresh schedule of parliamentary and upazila polls, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday demanded of the government to lift the state of emergency for the sake of free and fair elections.

She urged the government to create such environment that all political parties could take part in the election. Under the state of emergency people of the country could hardly exercise their franchise without fear and intimidation.

"It is the government's responsibility to create an election atmosphere that enables all parties to join it," she said.

" We welcome the EC's declaration for election schedule and strongly believe that under the emergency rule free, fair and credible elections could not be possible," she said while welcoming 25 former army officers led by Lt Col (Retd) Abdul Khaleque joining to BNP at her Gulshan office in the city.

Citing the example of recently held City Corporation elections the Chairperson of BNP said those elections were not held in free and fair manner.

" We witnessed a number of parliamentary elections held in the country without emergency," she mentioned.

She suggested the government to lift the state of emergency immediately and help people and political parties to start their electoral campaign without fear.

" People of the country would get respite if the government lifts the emergency rules," she added.

Citing the grave situation prevailing in the country, Begum Zia said the country has lagged behind 20 years during the two years rule of the present government.

She called upon the countrymen to vote for the BNP led four-party alliance to save the country's sovereignty and independence.

Regarding Representation of People Order (RPO), she called upon the Election Commission (EC) to repeal of RPO Section 91(E) that gives the Election Commission power to cancel candidacy and deferment of Upazila polls.

Mentioning the BNP led four-party alliance as a force, she said the unity and strength of the alliance is increasing day by day and is fully capable to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

Begum Zia said BNP did a lot for the welfare of the countrymen during their last five years.

" Inshaallah the four-party alliance would come to power again in the next election by the mandate of the people," she added.

She called upon the newcomers to BNP to remain united and work for the welfare of the party and the countrymen.