BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has called on Awami League leaders to offer apologies and rejoin mainstream politics to restore democratic practices.
He said: "Defending the country's independence and sovereignty is possible not just with the military but by uniting the 180 million people of the country. Sheikh Hasina is trying to sneak back into the country again. We welcome her to return and face the people. She fled and is now trying to communicate through audio and video, which will be of no use."
He said as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on the occasion of Revolution and Solidarity Day, held at the Rangpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Thursday.
Addressing Sheikh Hasina, Dr Zahid said: "Come back to the country and face trial. We assure you that your trial will be conducted under the prevailing laws of the country. You had given Begum Zia a false punishment."
He urged Sheikh Hasina to face justice promptly.
To the leaders and activists of the Awami League, he said: "Your leaders have abandoned you. Repent and apologize to the people with folded hands. The people of our country are very emotional, they may forgive you. Then, join the movement for the restoration of democracy."
Dr Zahid Hossain further said: "We are willing to fully cooperate with an interim government. However, we urge you to act responsibly. Our party's secretary-general has talked about a roadmap for restoring democracy, which should be disclosed, no matter how many days it takes. The people of the country are eager to exercise their voting rights, depriving them of this is not right. You should not assume that the people will always support you."
He said: "Various objections have been raised about the appointment of advisers to the interim government."
Referring to the appointment of an individual as the assistant to the health adviser with the rank of state minister, the BNP leader said: "He was previously with JSD Rob, collaborated with the authoritarian government in 1996, and worked with allies after the One-Eleven political crisis. His appointment to the health ministry has sparked controversy."
He harshly criticized the appointments of Mustafa Sarwar Farooki and Sk Bashir Uddin, owner of Akij Bashir Group, saying: "They were associates of authoritarian regimes. Bashir Uddin’s brother was an MP from the Awami League, and there is a murder case against him at Banani police station. It was not appropriate to include such controversial figures in the advisory council."
