Bikalpadhara joins forces with BNP

This is the first time Mahi B Chowdhury attends a BNP rally after leaving the party

Dhaka, June 11 (bdnews24.com)—Bikalpadhara Bangladesh on Monday announced that it will be in the streets with the BNP in its anti-government movement even though it is not a part of the 18-Party Opposition Alliance.

Bikalpadhara President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury's son and Organising Secretary Mahi B Chowdhury made the announcement while addressing the opposition alliance's public rally in front of the BNP's Naya Paltan headquarters.

Mahi said, "Khaleda Zia is the symbol of unity. She always led from the front whenever the country was in a crisis. Now, she is leading the people's movement pressing for a neutral and non-partisan government."

"We believe she will be triumphant like before."

Announcing his party's stance, Mahi told the rally, "We will meet again in the streets under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. The victory will surely be ours."

He also remembered BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman's thoughts and contribution. "I grew up idolising him."

Without mentioning Jatiyatabadi Samajtantrik Dal Hasanul Haque Inu's name, Mahi said, "A leader of the Grand Alliance had talked about forcing Khaleda Zia out of politics. But I would like to say that Khaleda Zia is a part of the history of Bangladesh."

Mahi, the son of BNP's founding Secretary-General, was BNP MP before the leaving the party with his father nine years ago.

Badruddoza Chowdhury, a former President and Foreign Minister in the early days of Khaleda Zia's 2001-06 tenure, fell out with the long-time ally when he was forced to leave the Bangabhaban in 2002 before floating Bikalpadhara.

This is the first time Mahi joined any BNP rally after leaving the party. Khaleda is supposed to announce fresh agitation programmes at Monday's rally.

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