Khaleda Zia remains active in politics mentally: Fakhrul
The BNP secretary general added that her physical condition is now stable and all steps have been taken for her treatment
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the party's chairperson Khaleda Zia has remained active in politics mentally, despite her physical illness.
Khaleda Zia has not left politics and there is no possibility of her leaving politics, he added.
The BNP secretary general was speaking at a press conference at the Sagar-Runi auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in Dhaka.
Khaleda Zia will return to active politics once she recovers from her illness and is released from confinement, Fakhrul said, adding, "She still holds influence in our politics. She has not left politics, and will not leave it. Her existence is deeply rooted in the people of the country."
Mentioning that Khaleda Zia's physical condition is now stable, he said all steps have been taken for her treatment. Her going abroad for better treatment would depend on the situation, he added.
Replying to a question regarding Thursday's arson attacks on buses in Dhaka, Fakhrul said, "When there is no democracy in the country, miscreants carry out such sabotage. I strongly condemn such incidents."
He claimed some agents of the government carry out such sabotage by burning down cars to thwart peaceful political movements.
He added, "The One-Eleven government was initially working to implement its 'minus two' formula, but later implemented 'minus one.' Awami League leaders played an active role in this."
This has not brought about any good outcome for democracy and will not bring any, Mirza Fakhrul said.
Replying to a query regarding the difference of opinion between Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, he said there is no conflict in the BNP. "Our standing committee holds a meeting every Saturday. A few days ago it was irregular, but it is taking place regularly at present. The committee decides on all political affairs of the party. The BNP is united."
In response to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's remarks that BNP is an obstacle to democracy, the BNP secretary general said that the biggest obstacle to democracy is Awami League, not BNP. The Awami League has destroyed democracy in the country, he added.
"By forming Bakshal, they [Awami League] buried democracy in the country. They have enacted various laws, including the Digital Security Act, which do not go with the spirit of democracy," he continued.
He also noted that BNP's founder Ziaur Rahman did not enforce martial law in the country and instead he started politics to establish multi-party democracy. The Awami League was registered as a political party during the tenure of Ziaur Rahman, he added.
Mirza Fakhrul said, "At present, we have only one political agenda – the government and parliament of the people."
Elections are not possible under a partisan government, he said, adding that fair elections can be held in the country only if there is a neutral government and an independent election commission. He said they want a representational government.
The Election Commission has done the most damage to this country, while the abolition of the caretaker government system, by amending the constitution, has left the country in a state of stagnation, he observed. He also alleged that the amendment was done through misinterpretation during the tenure of Justice Khairul Haque.
He further said that no issue relating to the people is discussed in the present parliament. "A law is passed in four to five minutes, which is of no use to the people."
Asked whether Khaleda Zia has a trusted companion, the BNP secretary-general said, "The assertion that there is no one around her and that she has not been able to produce responsible leadership is a complete lie."
DRU President Rafiqul Islam Azad gave the welcome speech on the occasion. Before the start of the programme, DRU General Secretary Riaz Chowdhury provided a brief introduction of Mirza Fakhrul.