KERANIGANJ Aug 7: Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsacl Begum Khaleda Zia today asked the government to >>pen gruel kitchen in the flood affected areas, reports UNB.

"In many flood-hit areas, people are passing their days without food. Though the flood victims around the capital are getting scanty relief, relief goods have not yet reached the rural areas." she said.

The BNP chairperson was briefly addressing a spontaneous gathering at Zila Pari-shad market of Aganagar union in Keranlganj thana where she distributed relief materials In the afternoon.

Begum Zia. distributed relief at 8 points of different unions

of Keraniganj. including Dha-leswari Ideal High School and College. Hasnabad. Pargan-daria Bastuhara Primary School. Aganagar. LasamganJ Ghat and Mandail Ghat.

Some traders and businessmen of the Zila Parishad market handed over cheques amounting to over Tk one lakh to Begum Zia.

Blaming the government for failure in mitigating the miseries of the flood victims, she said the poor will continue to be deprived and the development of the country will be stopped if it remains in power.

Urging the people not to show any sympathy' to the Awami League in future elections. she said. "It has been proved that they are doing the same thing as they did in the past

Referring to the recent incident of Bagha at Rajshahi. the BNP chief said the ruling party terrorists had stripped two women as a businessman refused to pay tolls.

She blasted the government for its failure to protect the dignity of women.