BNP chief Khaleda Zia yesterday told Indian PM Narendra Modi that they believe there is no democracy in Bangladesh now.
Emerging from a 45-minute meeting, Khaleda told reporters that it was a nice talk.
“Democracy is a prerequisite for sustained development. No development will come in hand if democratic values are neglected,” Abdul Moyeen Khan, a standing committee member of BNP, said after a Khaleda-led five-member BNP delegation met Modi at Sonargaon Hotel.
The Indian prime minister held a one-on-one talk with Khaleda Zia for 10 minutes, said Moyeen Khan.
Moyeen said: “The talk was held in a very cordial atmosphere. We have discussed bilateral issues.”
The former planning minister said democracy and accountability are prerequisite for social and economic development.
Moyeen, however, declined to comment on what Modi told Khaleda in response to her views on the political situation.
“They [Indians] will give their own views. When Indian foreign secretary will hold a press briefing, please ask him about it,” said Moyeen.
“We have urged them to strengthen relations further between the people of the two countries.”
Modi attached importance to regional development. If it is to be implemented, democracy is required. Sustainable development is not possible without democracy.
As to why the democratic issue came up in the discussion, Moyeen said: “Mr Modi believes in democracy.
“If his life is analysed, he is found to have risen to the highest position in India only because the democratic institutions are functional there. While in Bangladesh the government has failed to do so.”
Reaz Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune that Modi’s body language was very much positive and the talk was successful. “We said we wanted to look forward to cementing our ties further.”
Party insiders said Modi talked in Hindi. After the meeting, Modi tweeted: “Met former PM Begum Khaleda Zia.”
BNP Standing Committee members Tariqul Islam and Nazrul Islam Khan, Khaleda’s adviser Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed accompanied Khaleda to the meeting.