Renewing her call for talks to pave the path for holding a fresh inclusive election, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Saturday warned that they would have no option but to wage a strong street agitation programme if the government does not take immediate steps for a dialogue, reports UNB.
"I myself urge them (govt) today to return to the path of dialogue and discussion. I also call upon them to reach an understanding through talks over the framework of a non-party administration capable of holding an inclusive, free, fair and neutral election," she said.
The BNP chief made the call while addressing a conference on 'Democracy for development', arranged by the Engineers' Association Bangladesh (EAB) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city.
Describing her party as democratic, tolerant and peace-loving one, Khaleda, also a former prime minister, said they did not want to pursue any violent movement which might cause chaos and make the country volatile.
Mentioning that the people of Bangladesh will not wait for an indefinite period for such a dialogue, the BNP chief said they were reorganising their party and its associate bodies alongside mobilising public support and wooing other social forces in favour of their demand.
"We're going to people and presenting our views before them. We're also taking their opinions. On completion of this phase, we must take to streets immediately together with people to press home their demand, if no initiative for talks is taken by the time," she added.
Khaleda also urged people from all walks of life, including the engineers, to prepare for it.
Seeking public support for their movement, Khaleda said they were going for it not to go to power but to save the country from the current repressive regime. "I want to tell the country's people let's save the country and save ourselves. You all get united against unjust and terror regime," she said.
