PANGSHA IRajbarl). Dec 31: Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia said here today that democracy and the constitutional process In the, country would be maintained at any cost, report* BSS

The Prime Minister was addressing two public meetings — one nt Biillakandl Zia Sarani tinder Baliakandl thann and the other at Pangsha College ground under Pangsha thana of Rajbarl district She MkJ that by submitting the let ters of resignation, the Opposition MPs had shown disrespect lo the people s verdict.

Criticising the Opposition s statement that following the subnusslon of their resignation

letters, the present pHrllamerit had become illegal, Begum Zia said. "This Parliament Is to tally legal and constitutional. There remains l«72 elected MPs in this Parliament. So this Parliament Is legal We will continue our functions as per Constitution and rules.'

The Prime Minister said the Opposition did not want to see the nourishment of the democratic process and the existence of Parliament

"Hie [wople are alxive all of us. We shall do and arc doing everything necessary to establish the rights of the people." she said

Referring to the people's rights to franchise. Begum Zia said her government had en sured the system so that they fvotersl could cast his or her own vote freely and fairly.

Mentioning that It would cost Taka 300 crore to 400 crore to strengthen the Election Cimimisaion as well as to provide every voter an Identity card, the Prime Minister said despite Bangladesh being a poor country, the government had Initiated this very costly venture for the sake of the people a tntarest

Referring ts the recent crisis crested by the Opposition. the Prime Minister said -We have accepted even the irrational the mends of the Opposition only for the sake of the country, democracy and the people We haw agreed because we want ibat the ongoing massive development programmes are not disrupted. and Hie country stand on Its own (eel Even after that the Opposition has Iwrn creating crisis only to disrupt Hie implement anon of the development programmes across the country

The Prime Minister re called the entire dialogue pro cc-ss and said her government had accepted the formula of s national government, given by Str Stephen Ninian but the Opposition did not agree

"We haw told them that there could be discussions but they (Opposition) said that the government had to resign at the tlibe of the elections We

have also-accepted that proposal. saying the Prime Minister and the cabinet would resign 30 days before the election and the President would run the country during that time.' Begum Zia said

She went on saying': "We hate only wanted that there would be no more hartals and sieges this year. But the Opposition dM not even agree

Begum 3a said if there was no hartals or sieges, foreign investors would come to Bangladesh with Investment of thousands of crores of taka to create millions of new jobs In the country

The Prime Minister Mid It Is the democratic right of the to ply their vehicles on roads freely and keep open I heir shops and business centres to earn their livings

This is an absolutely coo sututlonal end legitimate gov ernmml BNP would properly discharge Its responsibilities given by the people lor their betterment There should be no more destructive activiiies Discard the politics of diarup Hon and let us unitedly work lot the welfare -of the people.' the Prime Minister called upon the Opposition and sought their cooperation tn carrying forward the demo cratic process

Referring to the fulfillment of almost all her election pledges, the Prime Minister said we would initiate more pro people programmes.