DHAKA: Opposition BNP will stage a mass procession in the capital on August 9 as part of its ongoing anti-government movement.

Party chairperson and opposition leader Khaleda Zia will lead the march that will kick-start from Paltan Maidan, the historic ground that was made off-limits to them for staging a set mass hunger strike on July 25.

BNP secretary-general Khandaker Delwar Hossain announced the programme at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan office in the afternoon, listing out complaints against government activities that the former ruling party dubbed repressive, corrupt and undemocratic.

He said the “mass procession” is to protest government’s “misrule”, “repression” on opposition leaders and journalists, and “terrorism, tender-manipulation, grabbing and admission trade” by Chhatra League activists. The programme is also to press for the release of opposition leaders and activists.

Replying to a question over the programme, he said, “It is clear that the government does not believe in democracy and does not want democracy either.”

Delwar deplored that the government prevented them from holding mass hunger strike, arrested opposition leaders and filed ‘false’ cases against them.

“We want to organize a peaceful mass procession on August 9 and hope it will not be hindered,” he said.

The senior leader of BNP urged its leaders and activists to join the procession and make it a success. He also sought cooperation from the people in this move.

Party leaders MK Anwar, Prof Abdul Mannan, Amanullah Aman, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Fazlul Haq Milon and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal also attended the press meet

BDST: 1803HRS, JULY 27, 2010