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Boycott farcical election

Khaleda urges voters

Staff Correspondent
Terming the January 5 national polls a "brazen farce", BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday called on people to totally boycott the elections.
"No one at home and abroad will legitimise this farce of an election. Through this, the Awami League government will emerge from its veneer of legality to its illegal self," she said in a statement.
Elections are going to be held in 147 constituencies tomorrow as 153 candidates have already been elected uncontested to the 10th parliament, thanks to a boycott by the BNP-led 18-party alliance and its like-minded parties.
The BNP chief urged the opposition leaders, activists and common people to continue the ongoing movement against the "autocratic government."
By resorting to evil design and terrorism, the Awami League has arranged a "brazen farce" in the name of election in less than half of the parliamentary constituencies to grab the state power by snatching people's constitutional, fundamental and voting rights, read the statement.
The government, she complained, is creating a black chapter by misusing the administration and the law enforcers with the help of a "worthless" Election Commission. “So the January 5 will be portrayed as a black day."
Most people of the country take no interest in the elections, she pointed out. Referring to media reports, she said the AL has asked its leaders to keep some party men in queues at polling centres for casting fake votes to show a high turnout.
The former prime minister claimed that the BNP wanted participatory elections, but it could not be possible due to the stubbornness of the AL.
The BNP had earlier said that people will not allow holding a one-sided election. Now it has become true, she mentioned. "The Awami League even didn't dare risking elections to more than half of the constitu-
encies. They [the AL and its allies] had to share those seats. ”
She accused the government and the ruling party of doing excesses to prevent the opposition leaders and activists from taking to the streets during the "March for Democracy" programme on December 29-30.
“The frightened government has kept my house cordoned off by law enforcers soon after I had declared the March for Democracy programme. The government has virtually kept me confined to my house without any notification," she complained.
Khaleda said she was not frightened of house arrest or jail. "I've unweavering trust in almighty Allah and faith in people. The autocratic government will not be able to retain power after being isolated from the people and the rest of the world."
Terming the opposition terrorists, the AL government is threatening to root them out after January 5. However, ruling party activists have been caught for arson and hurling bombs at the houses of a justice and Hindu people, but the AL men are not being brought to book, she said in the statement.
The opposition leader hoped that their ongoing movement would be successful as many people haveshed their blood forthe cause.
"People of Bangladesh have given me the opportunity to serve them for several times. I'm grateful to them. Power is not a big deal for me. At this stage of life, I am ready to make any sacrifice to re-establish people's right and earn freedom for them," said the BNP chief.