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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday expressed hope that the country would see the restoration of democracy very soon.
"The journey of democracy, for which Ziaur Rahman died fighting for democracy and protecting sovereignty, is being obstructed at every step today. Soon we will see the democracy re-established in Bangladesh. This is our pledge on the anniversary of Zia's martyrdom," she said.
Khaleda Zia made this comment as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the city on the occasion of the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. She was delivering a pre-recorded video address.
The BNP Chairperson called on BNP leaders and activists at all levels and the countrymen to move forward in an orderly manner for restoration of democracy.
Khaleda Zia said, "Remember, we must pay tribute to Shaheed Zia by implementing the politics of resolving all problems through democracy and development for all."
BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who joined the discussion meeting virtually, said that the interim government had not been able to give an election date even in the last 10 months.
"Due to this, uncertainty has been created in the country, due to which the economy, especially investment, is not growing. Factories are about to close. Businessmen are not getting a chance to speak," he added.
He said that the government was failing to understand the aspirations of the people. Many advisers were not aware of the sufferings of the people.
Political parties have no objections to the reforms. But everyone, including political parties, has objections to the delay, he said, adding that if the government is positive after the reforms, then the elections can be held by December.
He urged the government to immediately announce the roadmap of the elections. "There is no issue of the government losing or winning here," he said on the election roadmap.
The meeting was presided over by the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who joined the meeting virtually.
BNP standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, economist and political analyst Prof Mahbub Ullah, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, also spoke among others.
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