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Arrest aimed at pressurising Khaleda Claims Delwar

Staff Correspondent
BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday said the arrest of Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Shamim Iskander is a government manoeuvre aimed at pressurising the party chief.
Talking with journalists at his Nam apartment in the capital, Delwar also said confusion caused by the arrest has blanketed the ray of hope that became visible following the release of Koko. Khaleda’s younger son.
“We were happy over Koko's release. We thought that good sense has prevailed over the government. But now people think
SEE PAGE 15 COL 5 that it [government] has arrested Shamim to put pressure on Khaleda Zia."
If there is any specific allegation against Shamim, he could have been arrested from anywhere. But he was arrested right outside the party chairperson's residence after he had visited his ailing nephew Koko. Delwar said.
Renewing the demand for Khaleda's immediate and unconditional release as well as her elder son Tarique Rahman’s release for treatment abroad, Delwar said, "Cases filed against Khaleda Zia are absolutely without any merit. Nevertheless, if the government wants to continue the cases, it can do so after releasing her.. 7 .
Responding to a question, the BNP secretary general said it is impossible to hold any election without the participation of BNP
"BNP is an election-oriented party and we are ready to participate in a free and fair election with all political parties," he said adding that the BNP is willing to participate in dialogue with the government, but the government has to release the party chairperson first.
BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan, former lawmakers Nurul Kabir Shaheen and Sohrab Uddin, central leaders Habib-un-Nabi Sohel and Shirin Sultana were present among others.
Commenting on the upcoming city corporation and municipality elections, Delwar said the BNP-led four-party alliance's stance on the matter was still unchanged.
Meanwhile, leaders of BNP and its front organisations from Rangamati and Chapainawabganj districts paid separate visits to the secretary general at his residence.
Delwar during the meetings urged all to remain united and work together for a stronger BNP.
The BNP secretary general later formally called off the symbolic hunger strike of former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders who staged the programme at his residence to demand release of Khaleda and Tarique.