BNP, allies urge govt to meet demands before poll schedule
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
The BNP and its partners are pressing for the seven-point demand of the four-party alliance to be met before the announcement of the election schedule on Nov 2, reports bdnews24.com.
"If the government wants the four-party to go to elections, we do not understand why it does not meet our demands," BNP secretary general Khondokar Delwar Hossain said Sunday, claiming the government had failed to keep its word after its dialogue with BNP.
Delwar reiterated the alliance's planned boycott of the general elections unless the participation of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was assured.
He said the same thing went for the former prime minister's rival and counterpart, Awami League president Sheikh Hasina.
"Our position is clear-we will not go for the elections without Khaleda Zia. The government will have to make it clear whether the two leaders will be eligible for participating in the elections," said Delwar, addressing a scheduled rally of the alliance at the National Press Club.
The alliance's seven-point demand include unconditional release of the party chief, lifting of emergency and deferment of Upazila elections.
"We want to participate in the elections. Create a favourable environment by implementing our demands. Do not put any more hindrances in the way of the elections," Delwar said.
The BNP leader also announced the BNP-led four-party alliance will hold rallies across the country today (Tuesday) protesting the 'Paltan killings' in 2006.
"If the government wants the four-party to go to elections, we do not understand why it does not meet our demands," BNP secretary general Khondokar Delwar Hossain said Sunday, claiming the government had failed to keep its word after its dialogue with BNP.
Delwar reiterated the alliance's planned boycott of the general elections unless the participation of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was assured.
He said the same thing went for the former prime minister's rival and counterpart, Awami League president Sheikh Hasina.
"Our position is clear-we will not go for the elections without Khaleda Zia. The government will have to make it clear whether the two leaders will be eligible for participating in the elections," said Delwar, addressing a scheduled rally of the alliance at the National Press Club.
The alliance's seven-point demand include unconditional release of the party chief, lifting of emergency and deferment of Upazila elections.
"We want to participate in the elections. Create a favourable environment by implementing our demands. Do not put any more hindrances in the way of the elections," Delwar said.
The BNP leader also announced the BNP-led four-party alliance will hold rallies across the country today (Tuesday) protesting the 'Paltan killings' in 2006.