BNP draws up two-day prog

FE Report | Published: November 03, 2018 22:05:10

The wholesale arrest of BNP leaders and activists is not a sign of holding a free and participatory election, said a senior joint secretary general of the party on Saturday.
"The wholesale arrest of BNP leaders and activists before the election is not a sign of participatory and acceptable parliamentary polls," Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said while speaking at a press briefing.
The press conference was organised after a joint meeting of BNP and its associate bodies took place at the party's Nayapaltan office in the capital.
Mr Rizvi also said arrest of his party leaders and activists and torture on them were going on in all places of the country.
"Is it (arrest) a sign of participatory election or holding a one-sided election?" he questioned.
He condemned the arrest of his party men and demanded their immediate release.
Mr Rizvi said his party has chalked out a two-day programme, marking the 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day' that falls on November 7.
The party has been observing the day, marking 'civil-military uprising' on November 7, 1975.
Soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975 jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity during political turmoil in Dhaka cantonment that led Zia to come to power.
Though BNP and its alliances observe November 7 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, the ruling Awami League and its front organisations consider it 'a day of killing of freedom fighters'.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) observes it as the day of civil-military revolution.
At the press briefing, Rizvi said the party flag will be hoisted atop its all offices across the country on November 7.
Party leaders and activists will place wreaths and offer prayers at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00 am on the day.
It will also arrange a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh the following day.
Associate bodies of the party will hold various programmes, including discussions, cultural programmes, essay competition and photo exhibition.
The meeting discussed various issues to make Jatiya Oikyafront's public rally, scheduled to be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on Tuesday, a success.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com