BNP will not make any deal with govt in releasing Begum Zia: Hannan Shah

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Brigadier ASM Hannan Shah on Friday said the party would not accept any government conditions in releasing Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman. "If the government tries to set any condition for the release Begum Zia, BNP will not accept(The Bangladesh Today)

it and the party will go for tougher movement in order to free its Chairperson. Like Awami League, BNP will not make any secret deal with government in releasing its Chairperson. We want to free our Chairperson through legal process, not making any deal with the government," Hannan Shah told reporters at his residence in the city.

Replying to a query about the existing division in the BNP, he said everything will be settled after the release of Begum Khaleda Zia. "If any division exists in the party, it will be removed soon after the release of our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia," Hannan Shah said.

Hannan Shah said if the government does not withdraw state of emergency to create congenial atmosphere for holding free, fair and credible election, BNP will compel the government to withdraw it through launching massive movement under the directive of Khaleda Zia.

Talking to reporters BNP standing committee member M K Anwar said the party will not take part in any election under the state of emergency. "The government has no alternative to lifting the state of emergency for holding free and fair election in the country," he added.

Echoing the same argument, he said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be released through legal process. "BNP does not believe in holding any secret deal with the government, we will free our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman under legal process or democratic movement," M K Anwar said.

Meanwhile, BNP leaders and activists observed countrywide Milad Mahfil yesterday after Jumaa prayers for seeking recovery of ailing Tarique Rahman and quickening release of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Source : The Bangladesh Today