BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday said this government s torture, attacks on opposition programmes and banning processions and meetings reminded al) of the "black chapter" of 1972-75 political scenario, reports UNB.

The current picture of undemocratic activities reflects the past misrule of the ruling party." she said when a group of just-released BNP and its front organisation leaders and workers called on her at 29 Minto Road official residence of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Begum Zia said the ruling party would not be able to cling to power by taking recourse to undemocratic path as they couldn t in the past

She said the ongoing people's movement launched to protect independence and sovereignty of the country and to continue

democratic process could not be halted through "repression, attack and arrest".

Begum Zia said despite inhuman torture, her party leaders and workers did not compromise on the question of allegiance to country and party.

The leaders, who were released from different jails, in their speeches described "inhuman’ torture allegedly meted out to them in police custody and also in Jail after their arrest.

They told the BNP Chairperson that the government would not be able to refrain them from agitation by resorting to "repression

BNP leader Jarnal Sharif Hlru showed the marks of torture in his body. He said the 'terrorists'' of AwauJ League seriously beat up many BNP workers, including him, after their arrest at Gabtali during the eight-hour barricade on October 5.

The leaders who called on Begum Zia include Sirajul Hossain, DM Nazrul Islam. Monir Hossain, Abdur Rahim, Za-hiruddin, Milon and Saber Hossain.

Meanwhile, leading businessman and Faridganj thana Awami League leader Abdul Mo-taleb Bhuiyan along with some leaders and workers called on the BNP Chairperson and formally joined BNP.

Welcoming the freshers. Begum Zia said reaction is now brewing among the conscious and patriotic people within the ruling party seeing the present activities of the government and overall situation of the country.