BNP ‘s two-day programme seeking Khaleda's release

BNP announced on Wednesday a two-day countrywide programme demanding its Chairperson Khaleda Zia's release from jail, reports UNB.

The programme includes holding of an hour-long human chain on September 8 and a two-hour long token hunger strike on September 12.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office.

He said their party leaders and activists will form human chains in all metropolitan cities and district towns from 11 am to 12 pm on Saturday (Sept 8).

In Dhaka, Rizvi said the human chain programme will be held at the National Press Club on the same day and time.

Besides, he said, the party will observe a token hunger strike in all metropolitan cities and all district headquarters from 10 am 12 noon on September 12.

The BNP leader also said they have sought permission from the authorities of Mohanagar Natiya Mancha and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh to get anyone of the venues to hold their token hunger strike programme.

On 8 February last, a special court sentenced Khaleda to five years' rigorous imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

Khaleda, a 73-year-old former prime minister, was taken to the old central jail minutes after the verdict was delivered.