The BNP will not complain to visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about January 5 polls but will try to make him understand the necessity of holding a fresh election, said some party leaders yesterday.
A senior BNP leader seeking anonymity told the Dhaka Tribune the meeting between Modi and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia would focus on strengthening ties between the BNP and the BJP.
“The two parties already share a good relation and there will be discussions on how to retain that and make it better as well,” he said.
The meeting between Khaleda and Modi is scheduled to be held this afternoon at a hotel in the capital.
“Our approach will be such that we are not complaining to him [Modi] about the tenth parliamentary polls. Rather, we will discuss why a fresh election is necessary in Bangladesh.
“We will try to convey the message to the Indian prime minister that Bangladesh is now politically unstable and stability in the country represents stability in India and also the whole South Asia,” the BNP leader said.
He said Bangladesh’s latest political situations, the April 28 city corporation elections and repression of opposition members by the ruling party might be in the agenda of the meeting. “Besides, we might give the Indian premier the disk of a documentary.”
Abdul Awal Mintoo, adviser to the BNP chairperson, said BNP’s demand was very clear and logical.
“A free, fair and credible election must be held. I think the Indian government is also aware of this. We hope the Indian prime minister will talk about establishing democracy in Bangladesh.”
Another BNP leader said Khaleda might ask for a one-to-one meeting with Modi and could raise the key points she wanted to convey to him there.
He said the BNP chief might respond positively if India asked to sever ties with Jamaat-e-Islami.
“Khaleda will thank Modi for ratifying the land boundary deal and will also raise the Teesta pact during the meeting.”
A six- to eight-member delegation is likely to accompany Khaleda during her meeting with Modi.
