Gayeshwar urges India to clear its stance on BD's democracy

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has called upon neighbouring state India to make its position clear on the question of democracy in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a human chain programme, organised by Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum, a platform of BNP, in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office in the city on Monday, protesting the assault on Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Nadia Nusrat by Chhatra League and Jubo League 'cadres' in Chattogram's Mirsarai before sending her to jail in a false case.
He also asked Indian authorities to focus on building relations with the 180 million people of Bangladesh, instead of some individuals and a particular party, indicating the ruling Awami League.
"You don't need to make us win the election. The people of Bangladesh want to know clearly your (India's) position on the question of democracy," the BNP leader said.
Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said his party wants to maintain a good friendship with India as a close neighbour. "We need friendship as we don't like quarrels."
He urged the members of India's intelligence agencies and others who send reports to their country on Bangladesh to try to look in their eyes and understand the pulse of the people.
"India is a democratic country, but its neighbour Bangladesh lacks democracy. The people of this country blame India for it," the BNP leader observed.
He also asked the Indian policymakers and politicians to rethink whether their country will only keep friendship with Sheikh Hasina and Awami League or with the 180 million people of Bangladesh.
"It'll be a genuine, dignified and sustainable friendship if you can make it with 180 million people. There's no point in making friendship with one person or one party," Gayeshwar said.
He said India needs to change its political culture regarding its relations with Bangladesh. "You need to get the right information and take the right steps in this regard."
BNP leader also urged the government to step down accepting the 10-point demand of the opposition parties for the sake of restoring democracy and voting rights of people.
Referring to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's comment on BNP's participation in the next polls, he said his party will surely take part in the election under a non-party neutral government, not under any 'vote thief'.
Gayeshwar also said those who indulged in misdeeds like killing and enforced disappearance will be brought to justice if a pro-people government is established through a credible election under a neutral administration.