Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia urged city-dwellers to join silent protest against the ruling party franchising votes in three city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Khaleda Zia came up with the view at a press briefing in her Gulshan political office in Dhaka on Sunday.  

Protest silently

‘Cast your vote to protect the honour of your mother and sister. I am urging the city-dwellers to guard the polling centres in the afternoon after polls close,’ said Khaleda Zia.

She said, ‘You have to cast your vote with consideration for your own sake.’

She also added, ‘I am making a call to the people of Dhaka and Chittagong to join in the silent protest against the crimes (committed by the government) on 28 April’.

‘The government filled its pocket with money under the pretext of massive projects but it did not do anything for the country’s citizens,’ said Khaleda.

She said, ‘I want to say to the dwellers of Dhaka and Chittagong city, the ruling party snatched your right to vote on 5 January.’

Deploy Army

Khaleda Zia demanded deployment of army the days before and after the polls.

‘Army must be deployed with (judicial) authority in Dhaka and Chittagong for a free and fair election,’ said BNP chief.

Accept the voting result

Please cast your vote to Dhaka South mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas, Dhaka North mayoral candidate Tabith Awal and Chittagong City Corporation mayor candidate M Manjur Alam.

Remember, the ruling party has built tower of money by looting your properties and sucking your blood. Take money from them, but cast your vote according to your conscience. 

I am asking you to accept the result of the election, if the election is fair.

Attack on Khaleda Zia

The BNP chief said, ‘I’m shocked to hear that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the attack which was attempted to kill me as a ‘drama’.’   

Khaleda Zia came up with the view at a press briefing in her Gulshan political office in Dhaka on Sunday.

‘The attacks were instigated by the prime minister and ministers,’ she added.   

‘The Chhatra League central leaders took part in the attack. Police also backed the attackers.’  

‘Awami League has become restless to see the public support for BNP. All of their calculation has shattered.’   

She said, ‘Awami League-backed mayoral candidates were present during the attack on my motorcade at Fokirapool.’  

‘Armed terrorist opened fire aiming me,’ she added.  

The BNP chief said, ‘I only have faith over Allah and support of people.’

Change your mentality

‘My last words are for Sheikh Hasina, don’t think yourself great as you were elected in an uncontested election. The state power has turned risky for you. Change your envious and impolite mentality,’ said the BNP chairperson.

City polls test for government 

Khaleda Zia said, ‘Police force was discriminately used for on-field survey. They were used to harass the voters.’   

‘We are considering the election as a test for the government, the ruling party and election commission,’ she added.

Govt fails to provide security

Khaleda Zia said, ‘A government or an administration should be ashamed as it cannot provide security to its people during social festivals and failed to honour women. Such government should apologise and step down from its position.’

Law enforcers picked up Salahuddin 

The three times prime minister of Bangladesh said, ‘The law-enforcers picked up Salahuddin Ahmed. We are worried. Bring him back to his family as soon as possible’.

People want non-partisan govt in elections

‘Most of the people in the country excluding the ruling party want an election under non-partisan and impartial government, ‘said Khaleda Zia.

Ashulia bank robbery 

The BNP chief said, ‘The incident of Ashulia bank robbery is an example of current situation of the country.’

About Election Commission

Khaleda Zia said, ‘The election directing by the puppet election commission is a partial one.’

AL snatched people’s voting right on 5-January

Khaleda said, ‘I want to say to the dwellers of Dhaka and Chittagong city, the ruling party snatched your right to vote from you on 5 January.’

Bangladesh turns into terrorist state

‘Bangladesh has turned into a terrorist state. The terrorist state should be changed into a democratic country,’ Khaleda said.

‘Government keeps the ruling party activists beyond law. Anarchy is going on in the country.’

She for the last time addressed media on 13 March. She on that day vowed to continue protests until ‘reaching a permanent solution.’