Joining polls depends on Khaleda's release: BNP

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan said on Sunday their party's participation in the next election largely depends on the release of Khaleda Zia from jail, reports UNB.

"We've tried to have Khaleda Zia freed from jail through a legal process, but the government won't let it happen... it mainly depends on her release whether we'll join the polls or not," he said.

Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion arranged by Aparajeyo Bangladesh at the National Press Club demanding party chairperson Khaleda Zia's release.

He said people are going through immense suffering due to rise in the prices of utility services and daily essentials amid the growing unemployment rate.

"It can't be continued. A greater democratic mass movement is crucial to get rid of the current situation," he commented.

Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader unkindly mocked with humanity through his Saturday's remark defending extrajudicial killing during the ongoing anti-drug drive.

"Obaidul Quader said one or two mistakes might happen during such noble (anti-narcotic) drive. What a cruel mockery it is! How come we accept mistakes that claimed people's lives?" said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference on the day, he also alleged Quader not only ignored the human rights but also defended the unlawful killings like killers and terrorists.

The BNP leader claimed that the government is conducting drive against some 'insignificant' people and thieves and killing many of them instead of taking any action against powerful godfathers of drugs.

Rizvi said MPs like Abdur Rahman Bodi with the help of the administration are controlling the drug trade and its source points.

He said people want to know how influential ruling party leaders, including Bodi, left the country dodging intelligence agencies. 'The audio clips containing recorded conversations between Teknaf Municipality Councillor Ekramul Haque and his daughter and wife before and when he was shot dead by law enforcers have seriously shaken the feelings of people at home and abroad," the BNP leader observed.