Force opposition to shun politics of conspiracy

"They want to come to power sidetracking the path of democracy as they know people will not vote for them, because the BNP-led alliance government has done a lot for development in the last five years," she told a huge public meeting at Syedpur Stadium.

Khaleda urged the people to compel the opposition to come back to the path of democracy shunning the path of conspiracy.

Making a pledge to protect democracy at any cost, she said the people would not tolerate any conspiracy as "we have earned democracy in exchange for our own blood".

She said her government will hand over power to caretaker government in due time to make way for holding the next elections.

Emphasising that a flawless voter list is a prerequisite for holding free, fair and neutral elections, Khaleda, also the BNP chairperson, urged the Election Commission to prepare an accurate voter list for the upcoming polls.

"We want free, fair and neutral elections... This is our expectation as we won the previous elections held in a free and fair manner," she said.

Referring to the opposition's demand for reforms, PM noted that while in power, Awami League did not do any reform of the caretaker system as they didn't feel the necessity.

Now, she said, the AL-led opposition is demanding reforms to make it an issue and create anarchy and agitation for destroying public property.

"They know it (reform) is not necessary... so they did not do anything when they were in power. Now they want to create anarchy by making it an issue," she told the rally.

Khaleda said opposition parties have no confidence in the people. "That's why they want to boycott the election and create anarchy," she said.

She urged the people to take the right decision, as this is the right time for that. "It's your turn to decide whether you will choose the path of development or the path of destruction and regime of godfathers," she said, adding that the next election is very much important.

During the AL regime, she alleged, they destroyed the economy and education while corruption and terrorism gripped the country--the whole country came under the regime of godfathers.

"We do politics of peace and development...We are sure that the people will cast their votes in favour of the 4-party alliance."

Without naming AL, she said this is a 'promise-breaker' party as the party had promised not to call any hartal but now call hartal without any issue.

"It's your choice whether you like to have development or see the country as a bottomless basket," she said.

Khaleda narrated various development works of her government and said the unfinished development works would be completed if the BNP-led alliance got voted to power again.

Earlier, PM inaugurated sweet-water sub-centre of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute and 4000-line Syedpur digital telephone exchange and laid the foundation stone of a new building of Kamarpukur Degree College. The project involves around Tk 14 crore.

Local BNP President Abdul Gafur Sarker presided over the meeting.

Telecommunications Minister Barrister Aminul Huq, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury, State Minister for Education Ehsanul Huq Milon, and Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu also spoke at the meeting.