Awami League Presidium member and Health Minister Mohammad Nasim yesterday suggested that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia go home instead of losing politically to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He also suggested that Khaleda should calm herself and do politics with more cool, adding that she should be taking preparation for the 11th parliamentary election in 2019.
Nasim made the remarks yesterday evening at a 14-party rally, which he was attending as chief guest, on Mirpur 10 Avenue in the capital. The rally was organised as part of the ruling alliance’s countrywide campaign to resist ongoing violence.
AL lawmaker Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, who chaired the event, also addressed many other 14-party leaders.
Nasim, also the spokesperson of the AL-led 14-party, said: “You [Khaleda] will not win with your techniques against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and thus will lose to her.
“Be calm, and do not get excited. Politics is not done properly when there is excitement or anger.”
He further said no election will be held under Sheikh Hasina before 2019.
“I am requesting you to go home and practise fair politics for the next four years, and become close to the people.”
He also warned Khaleda that a discussion held in parliament has said they will take action against her if people of the country express need for that.
President of Samyabadi Dal, Dilip Barua alleged that Khaleda Zia is conspiring against the government along with international conspirators, and added: “She is a queen of terrorists and militants. But her conspiracy will lose in front of the country’s people.”
Furthermore, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya has again urged the government to arrest BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for fomenting violence, killing people and torching vehicles in the name of blockade and hartal.
Activists carry hockey sticks
Several hundred activists belonging to Awami League as well as bodies affiliated with the party, including ward level leaders joined the 14-party rally with bamboo sticks and hockey sticks.
This was the scenario both at Mazar Road rally on Tuesday as well as yesterday’s Mirpur rally. The activists carried sticks with small, triangular flags of white cloth. A Jubo League activist, on condition of anonymity, told this correspondent: “Why do not you understand? We have to carry the stick to control the BNP men, in case they want to create violence on the streets.”