DHAKA:  Criticizing the government for its failure in ensuring security during Bangla New Year celebrators, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia Sunday asked government to quit power taking the responsibility.

She also demanded the authorities concerned to ensure harsh punishment for culprits who assaulted girls in Dhaka University area during Pahela Baishakh celebration.

The BNP chief was talking to reporters at her Gulshan political office at 2:25pm on the day.

Terming the countrywide indefinite blockade as inactive due to city corporations elections, Khaleda Zia also said it was not called by her; it was called by 20-party leaders.

“We (20-party) could not sit together and discuss about the blockade,” she added.

Indicating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the BNP chief said, “Staying in power you have performed many misdeeds, now leave your proud temperament.”

She also said not to be fearful while stepping down from power as “we (BNP) are not vindictive like you (Sheikh Hasina)”.

The former prime minister also asked the voters to take “silent revenge” against the incumbent government by casting their votes for BNP-endorsed candidates in the Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations polls.

She also asked people not to sell their votes and not to be fearful to go to the polling centers.

Khaleda Zia also termed the decision by Election Commission (EC) on deploying army as “hypocrisy” adding that it proves they (EC) do not have confidence on army.

The BNP chief also alleged that her party leaders and activists and polling agents have been facing threats.

BNP standing committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, convener of ‘Adarsha Dhaka Andalan’ Professor Emajuddin Ahmed and leaders of 20-party, among others, were present in the conference.

BDST: 1501 HRS, APR 26, 2015,update:1735 HRS
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