Khaleda's release must to restore democracy

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday said it is not possible to 'restore' democracy in the country without freeing Khaleda Zia from jail.

Mosharraf came up with the assertion while speaking at a sit-in in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the program demanding the withdrawal of 'false' cases filed against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

The BNP leader urged partymen to get ready for launching a mass movement to have Khaleda Zia released from jail."It's not possible to restore democracy keeping 'mother of democracy' Khaleda Zia in jail. We must free Khaleda Zia first to bring back democracy and people's rights under her leadership," he said.

He also called upon the people of all walks of life to get united and involve in the movement to be initiated by their party soon.Mosharraf said the country is passing through a very critical time as the ruling party men have shattered the economy by indulging in widespread plundering and corruption.

He said people are now worried about their personal security the way untoward incidents are growing across the country. "Now, people don't have the sense of security in the country. The brutal killing of our sister Nusrat Jahan in Sonagzai has exposed that no is now safe," he added.

To get rid of the current 'unusual' situation, the BNP leader said there is no alternative to restoring democracy in the country.Later, he visited ailing BNP chairperson's media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan at Islami Bank Hospital in the capital's Kakrail. He talked to doctors and inquired about Sayrul's health condition.