BNP activists prefer prayers to slogans for Khaleda

In a surprise shift from political practice, a group of BNP supporters have chosen prayers for Khaleda Zia over shouting slogans.

The group, led by former Bangladesh Chhatra Union leader Mostafizur Rahman Babu, gathered at Bakshibazar intersection on Sunday morning during the BNP chief’s hearing at the special court in Alia Madrasa ground.

But police asked them to clear out because of tight security, and they headed towards the Central Shaheed Minar taking the street beside Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).

Police did not allow gathering, and no march or rally was seen in the area like on other days of Khaleda’s court visit.

The group included former MP Habibur Rahman Habib, executive committee member Sharif Mostafa Zaman Litu and former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Shariful Islam.

Mohila Dal leaders Shirin Akter, ‘Swapna’, Shamsunnahar Bhuyian, Nasrin Rashid Putul and some other women leaders were also present.

They finally gathered in front of Kabul Mazar beside DMCH and one of them tried to shout a slogan, “Ziar Shoinik (Zia’s Soldiers)…”

But, nobody else followed with the customary “Ek hou (gather together).”

Instead, former left-wing leader Babu came up with the plan to not raise a hubbub and instead pray for Khaleda’s wellbeing. “May Allah save Khaleda Zia. Do not raise slogans. Let’s pray for madam (Khaleda).”

His proposal was greeted with instant nod and all of them raised their hands to say prayers. They left the place after a while deciding to not wait for the court’s order. 

Khaleda secured bail in two graft cases and returned to her Gulshan residence ending her three-month stay at her office.