Big changes coming in the political scene

BNP leader Moudud Ahmed yesterday said major changes are coming in the country's political arena, which would force the government to sit for talks with opposition parties to hold a free and fair election.

“If the government thinks it will hang on to power forcibly, that will not be possible this time. Many changes will take place and they will be forced to sit with us,” Moudud, also a standing committee member of BNP, said.

He, however, did not elaborate further in this regard.

Speaking at a programme at the Jatiya Press Club, Moudud said his party will come up with “suitable action programmes” under the banner of Jatiya Oikya Prokriya to ensure the “fall” of the current government.

Though the government is conspiring to foil the national unity process, it will be strengthened further in coming days, he said.

Moudud criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her recent interview with Voice of America, where she said a congenial atmosphere is prevailing in Bangladesh for the next general election.

“It is blatant false information. There's no encouraging environment for any general election in the country,” he said.

He accused the government of hatching an evil plan to ruin the election atmosphere in the country with the wholesale arrest of BNP leaders and activists by implicating them in politically motivated cases.

“They [current government] are confusing people with their statement that an election-time government will be formed before the polls as per the constitution,” he said.

FAKHRUL WARNS OF 'POLITICAL CRISIS'

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday warned the government of a “political crisis” if party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is not freed from jail before the general election.

“Khaleda Zia is the last resort and the sole agent of democracy. Release her; otherwise a political crisis will happen, which the government will not be able to control,” Fakhrul said.

He issued the warning at a programme organised at the AKM Siddique Hall in the Supreme Court.

He also criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her recent comments that the world leaders want to see her at the helm of Bangladesh and her government in power again.

“Nothing is possible without the support of the people. Get your senses right and ensure people's right to vote freely,” Fakhrul said in response to the premier's statement.