BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party will free their chairperson Khaleda Zia and realise their demands for a fair and credible election under a non-party administration through a movement.
"We want a fair election in which people will be able to put a government of their choice in place. But the government is making the situation complicated. Our leader (Khaleda) was conveyed that her punishment has been enhanced. She said she won't bow down, no matter how much punishment she is given," he said.
Speaking at a mass-hunger strike programme, the BNP leader further said, "Let's get united and defeat the current regime. We won't bow down as we'll realise our rights and demands through a movement."
As part of its countrywide programme, BNP observed the hunger strike in the city, protesting the conviction of its chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Charitable Trust graft case.
The protest programme began around 10am at Mohanagar Natya Mancha in the capital at 10:00am and continued till 3:15pm.
BNP leaders and activists broke their hunger strike by taking water provided by ex-Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Emajuddin Ahmed.
Jatiya Oikyafront leaders and Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and JSD-Rob general secretary Abdul Malek Ratan and some 20-party leaders expressed their solidarity with BNP leaders by joining the mass-hunger strike.
He said the next general election will not be held unless their seven-point demand is met. "No election will be held without the participation of Khaleda Zia. We won't go to polls without the implementation of our seven-point demand."
The BNP leader also called upon their party leaders and activists to take preparation for waging a strong movement. "If the political crisis is not resolved through talks, we'll settle it on the streets."
BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed urged their party men to take both physical and mental preparation for waging a movement to have their chairperson freed from jail.