Quit power, hold fresh JS polls, Khaleda urges govt

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia Monday night urged the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue throwing away guns for holding a free and fair fresh national election, reports UNB.
"It's pointless to intimidate people. They (people) want a fair and neutral election under a non-party administration. So, sit in talks throwing away guns. The consequences will be dire if you (govt) think you'll be able to cling to power by killing people with arms," she said.
Khaleda Zia was addressing a function at her Gulshan office marking the joining of a group Thakurgaon district Jatiya Party (JP) leaders and activists to BNP.
Khaleda Zia also asked the government to arrange a fresh general election immediately quitting power. Or else, she warned, they will ensure its fall through a vigorous movement.
The former prime minister also announced that she will tour different districts after the March 31 upazila polls as part of the BNP-led 19-party's movement strategy to drum up public support.
Over 50 JP men, led by Thakurgaon district Jatiya Party general secretary Sultan Ferdous Namrul Chowdhury, joined BNP at the function presenting Khaleda Zia a bouquet.
Congratulating those joined BNP, Khaleda expressed her hope that the newcomers would help make BNP stronger in their region. "You all work together for ensuring the victory of the party's candidates in the upazila polls."