BNP expects 80 pc votes if fair polls held

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed on Thursday 80 per cent people will vote for his party if the next election is held in a fair and credible manner, reports UNB.

"The party, founded by Ziaur Rahman, is still in people's hearts. I would like to urge the government to hold a credible and neutral election, and then you will see 80 per cent people will vote for BNP," he said.

Fakhrul came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion arranged by BNP at the Supreme Court Bar Association's auditorium, marking the 82nd birth anniversary of its fonder Ziaur Rahman.

Fakhrul called upon BNP leaders and activists to get well-organised to force the government for holding the next polls under a neutral administration. "Don't get upset as we must break the current deadlock. We don't want to see the current fascist and repressive regime in power anymore."

He also urged the government to step down to install a pro-people government through a meaningful and credible election.

Or else, the BNP leader warned, the government will have to face a dire consequence because of public wraths.

BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said Awami League is scared of his party due to its huge popularity and success in running the country.

He warned that the government will not be able to suppress BNP leaders and activists with its repressive acts as people are with them. "You (govt) must hold the next polls under a non-party neutral administration, no matter what conspiracies you hatch."

Another party standing committee member Moudud Ahmed criticised the government for what he said denying his party permission for holding political programmes, including rallies.

"We've been forced to hold this discussion programme on a limited scale. We've been cornered. They don't give us permission for holing public meetings. Let's boycott this permission-based politics. We must put up a resistance. We shouldn't wait for permission to hold any programme."

Moudud also said his party will surely 'restore' democracy, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary overcoming all the obstacles created by the government.