Shawdesh Desk:

Rejecting prime minister’s claim that Khaleda Zia facilitated Ershad regime, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that her party chief had nothing to do with military takeover of power by Jatiya Party (JP) founder.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with the former military strongman (HM Ersahd) has destroyed the democracy,” he alleged on Monday.

He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to his party founder Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave along with party’s leaders and activists, marking the 41st founding anniversary of Jatyotabadi Mohila Dal.

The BNP senior leader also said, “HM Erashd was the leader of domestic opposition party, rendered by Sheikh Hasina led-Awami League (AL). Now, Rowshan Ershad has taken the responsibility of the former JP founder after his death.”

He also termed Prime Minister’s claim false.

Earlier, on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Khaleda Zia had paved the way for HM Ershad to take over power in 1982 and enjoyed various facilities from the former military ruler.

She made the remarks taking part in discussions on the condolence motion on late opposition leader HM Ershad and others at the Jatiya Sangsad.

“Sattar (Justice Abdus Sattar) was the acting chairman of BNP. Though Begum Khaleda Zia didn’t join politics at that time, she suddenly made a statement to oust Sattar from the post of chairman. I would like to say Khaleda Zia had created the scope for Ershad to grab power in 1982,” the premier said.

“This is why General Ershad gave them not only two houses but also many other facilities, including Tk 10 lakh in cash. So, BNP didn’t move for the Zia killing case at that time. After many years — may be in 1991 or 1994 –Khaleda Zia blamed Ershad for killing her husband.”

Sheikh Hasina also said that Justice Abdus Sattar was BNP candidate in the 1981 presidential election. In fact, then Army chief General Ershad had made him (Sattar) the candidate.