DHAKA: BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Friday asked the government to take initiative for dialogue immediately to hold fresh election in free and fair manner. 

She also announced that the ‘peaceful’ movement will continue until a logical solution is achieved.

Addressing a press conference at her Gulshan political office, Khaleda Zia said “I hope the good sense will prevail upon them (the government) and they will take initiative for holding dialogue to arrange a fresh general election under a nonparty administration.”   

At the beginning of reading out a written statement, the BNP chairperson paid tribute to the martyred freedom fighters. 

She alleged that there is no option to hold a free and fair election as Awami League government has scrapped the caretaker government system with the passage of the 15th amendment to the constitution. 

But at the same way of cancelation the system, they can restore it to clear the way of holding fair election to solve the prevailing crisis’, she added.  

Khaleda, also head of the 20-party alliance, alleged that they (Awami League) also formed an illegal government through an election of formalities on January 5. They promised to hold a new election dissolving the parliament but they broke their promise.

Urging her supporters to join the movement, Khaleda Zia said the movement is for realizing the rights of people and it is for restoring democracy in the country.

Blaming the prime minster for the ongoing crisis, Khaleda Zia said, “The country is in deep crisis. The Awami League, particularly Sheikh Hasina, is responsible for the crisis.” 

She said the government lacks accountability to the people. After snatching away the voting rights of the people they do not have any moral right to talk about democracy.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Vice-chairman Selima Rahman, the BNP chief's adviser Abdul Qaiyum and Mahila Dal general secretary Shirin Sultana were present at the press conference.

BDST: 2031 HRS, MAR 13, 2015