BNP rolls 7-point charter, Khaleda’s release top agenda

M Humayun Kabir
BNP yesterday rolled out a seven-point charter, prioritizing Khaleda Zia’s unconditional release from jail, at their rally in the city.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the disclosure of the charter, focusing on the upcoming general election and for a nonpartisan election-time government, reports The Daily Star.
The party demanded Khaleda’s release before announcement of election schedule.
Apart from Khaleda’s release and nonpartisan election-time government, their other demands include deployment of army with magistracy power, scrapping the electronic voting machines, and presence of local and international observers during elections.
They will also stage rallies across district headquarters on October 3 over the charter.
Fakhrul said BNP will submit memorandums to the district and deputy commissioners to press home its demands.
The BNP secretary general also placed a “12-point vision” – a manifesto – saying that if BNP is voted to power it will establish democracy and good governance.
Speaking at the rally, Moudud Ahmed, the party’s standing committee member said, if they are elected to power, BNP will revoke the Digital Security Act.
The rally kicked off around 2pm in attendance of thousands of supporters and activists – calling for freeing party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia ahead of national election.
An empty chair has been kept at centre-stage symbolising the absence of Khaleda Zia, who is now serving time behind bars after conviction in a corruption case.
Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said, “We can’t meet our demands if we fail to form a greater national unity.” “We must, therefore, work towards forging a greater unity.”