Quit right now, pave way for free and fair election

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called upon the government on Friday to resign right now and hold free, fair and participatory elections under a neutral caretaker government without delay.
He said the ruling Awami League has no way but to resign right now, paving the way for holding parliamentary polls under a neutral caretaker government, new Election Commission (EC) by abolishing the present one (EC) and dissolving the parliament.
"No way, in the north there are mountains and in the south Bay of Bengal - there is no way to go. No more time ... resign immediately and hold elections under a neutral caretaker government," he said at a brief rally before starting the party's mass procession in Dayaganj area of the capital.
The Dhaka city south and north units of BNP organised the mass procession.
Other like-minded parties also brought out processions with the demand for immediate resignation of the government clearing way for holding the next national polls under a neutral caretaker administration.
The mass procession started from Dayaganj area and terminated at Khilgaon after passing through Dhalpur community centre, Golapbagh, Kamalapur and Bhuddhist monastery areas in the city.
Regarding the government's newly-introduced universal pension scheme, he said, "This government has crafted a new tactic to steal public money which they (government) will spend during election."
"Give back our democratic rights, freedom of speech and right to live and reduce the prices of essential commodities including rice, lentil and edible oil... that's all we demand," he said.
He said, "The ruling Awami League has turned the while country into a prison as they (government) fear the opponents."
He added, "The ruling party is now worried about the fate of the money they have siphoned off abroad."
Mr Fakhrul Islam further said different US organisations have been calling upon the US Congress for hearing on Bangladesh situation.
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said BNP will in no way participate in elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.
"We must establish our democratic rights. 180 million people of the country will not accept if India wants to keep Sheikh Hasina in power like in 2014," he said.
BNP standing committee member Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "Those who are in favour of democracy in Bangladesh are our (BNP) friends."
Convener of Dhaka city south unit of BNP Abdus Salam presided over the brief rally before the mass procession.
Dhaka city north unit of BNP also brought out mass procession near Gulshan-2 DCC market that terminated near Mohakhali Bus Terminal after passing through Gukshan-1 and Government Titumir College areas.
BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said, "The government has been in power over the past 15 years when many changes have occurred. But the government is yet to change its character; that is why they must be ousted."
"We (BNP and other opposition parties) have no fear. People of the country aren't afraid of enforced disappearance and killing. The government must leave," he stated.
He said, "|The government could not suppress the opponents by filing false cases. Begum Khaleda Zia will be freed through a strong movement."
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said they are struggling to bring a government to power through people's mandate.
Convener of Dhaka city north unit of BNP Aman Ullah Aman presided over the brief rally.
Adviser to BNP chairperson Ataur Rahman Dhali, finance secretary Rasheduzzaman and other party leaders and activists took part in the procession.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com