Khaleda would be freed soon, country return to democracy

Speaker Barrister Zamir Uddin Sircar Thursday expressed the hope that detained BNP chairperson and ex-premier Khaleda Zia would be released through legal process soon and the country would return to democracy, reports UNB.brAddressing a discussion on BNP's Contribution to Building Self-Reliant National Economy marking the party's 30th founding anniversary, he said if Khaleda Zia was released, BNP would come to power through free and fair elections as people stood with the immediate-past ruling party.brOn Tarique Rahman's release on bail in 13 cases, Sircar praised the High Court (HC) for its independent dispensation of justice and also thanked the government for complying with the court's decision.brThe Speaker, who has been holding the office without parliament since its dissolution in October 2006, called for ensuring general election in December as he reminded that the caretaker government (CG) made international commitment to hold the polls as per the roadmap.brAs long as President Zia's party exists, democracy will exist and as long as democracy will sustain, BNP will exist, he told his audience.brThe meeting, presided over by BNP standing- committee member RA Gani, was also addressed by senior BNP leaders Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui, MK Anwar, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mahmudur Rahman, Mahbubullah and Abu Ahmed.brBNP secretary general Khondoker Delwar Hossain and other leaders were present.brAt the meeting Nazrul Islam Khan said special prayers would be offered after juma prayer today (Friday) expressing gratitude to the Almighty Allah for the release of Tarique Rahman and seeking release of Khaleda Zia.brFormer Adviser Mahbubur Rahman said the past four-party alliance government had advanced the country economically but the incumbent CG in last 18 months pushed the country 10 years back.brTerming the CG illegal, he said, We don't want release of Khaleda Zia from this government. We hope Khaleda Zia will be released through legal process.