Movement only way to free Khaleda: Moudud

BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed today said a strong street movement is the only way to ensure release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia as the government is prolonging her stay in jail through various means.

“We are making our best efforts to have Khaleda Zia freed through a legal battle. But, they (government) are trying to prolong her stay in jail through various tricks. So, we must wage a tough street movement. We must take preparations for that,” he said.

The former law minister came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Moududcriticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remark that India will remember Bangladesh for what it gave to the neighbouring country and termed it insulting for the nation.

“The Prime Minister has said India would remember Bangladesh for what she has given India. Nothing can be more offensive and shameful for the nation than this. We strongly condemn it,” he said.

The BNP leader said, “Hasina admitted that she has given India many things ignoring the national interests”. “But you cannot do that being the prime minister of an independent country.”

Moudud said the government has been killing people in the name of an anti-narcotics drive to divert people’s attention to a different direction from the current political crisis.

He alleged, though around 138 people were killed in the drive, the government could not arrest top listed drug peddlers.