BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday censured a section of intellectuals for their recent anti-state' statements and asked them to refrain from issuing such statement that goes against the country and its people, reports UNB.

'There are some intellectuals who always give statements as per instruction of the ruling party to see reaction of the people, she said while addressing a group of freshers to the BNP at her 29 Minto Road officials residence here in the evening.

Quoting from a recent statement of an intellectual, in which he said, "there is no need for army in Bangladesh." Begum Zia said a true and patri-

otic citizen of this soil cannot give such a statement.

The Leader of the Opposition said Bangladesh has an armed force and ft should be made stronger. As long as there is existence of Bangladesh there must be a strong army, she added.

The BNP Chairperson said there are some intellectuals in the country, who issue statement on various occasions to create confusion among the people.

The consequence of issuing such statement will be dangerous for the nation," she said.

The former Prime Minister alleged that there are some people In the country, who are paid for working for another country, and called upon the countrymen to be on the alert against these people.

Party sources said more than 500 leaders and workers of Nakla thana unit of Jatiya Party, led by its president Zahid Hossain Badsha and general secretary Khorshedur Rahman. Joined the BNP at the meeting, abolishing the JP committee.

The BNP Chairperson said the country is now witnessing repetition of the horror days of 1972-75 period.

The law and order situation has reached such an extent that guardians are afraid of sending their wards to schools. They have to remain in anxiety as there is no guarantee whether their sons or daughters will return home, she said.

Child lifting, kidnapping and killing have now become a regular feature. This phenomenon had also been created during the rule of Awami League immediately after the independence. she said.

She blamed the ruling party men for abducting children and demanding ransom from the

Begum Zia said due to toll extortion by the government party men, business, production and trade have almost been closed. She said if this situation continues, the people will be compelled to stop their trade and commerce.

Turning to economic scenario. the opposition leader said on one hand the government Is ruining the economy and on the other, it is trying to

destroy opposition parties to reestablish autocratic BAKSAL system.

Begum Zia said people of the country are now living in a suffocating situation amidst repression. looting, terrorism, torture, toll extortion, abduction. corruption everywhere In the country.

She said once people had tolerated those for a few years, but revolted against the misrule of the then Awami League and toppled it from power.

Begum Zia said people are now snowing restraint, but they will soon stand against repression and misrule of the present AL government.

She said agriculture, industry. education and other sectors are now experiencing stagnation because of the government's wrongdoing and subservient policy.

The opposition leader said the farmers are now the most deprived section of the country as they have not been getting fair prices of their produce since this government assumed power.