Upazila chairmen are only elected representatives: Khaleda

Upazila chairmen are now the only elected representatives of the country's people, said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Saturday.

She said, "The city corporations' mayors are also the elected representatives. But those who are in power are not elected by the people. They must be ousted from power."

Khaleda was addressing a group of upazila chairmen at her Gulshan residence in the capital at about 9.15pm on Saturday.

The BNP chairperson alleged that elected upazila chairmen were not given their responsibilities. Moreover, the unelected MPs are not allowing them in discharging their duties.

Referring to the situation now prevailing in the country, Khaleda said people have now become helpless. They want to remove the corrupt government from power.

She said people will have to come forward to oust the oppressive government. The countrymen will have to be united under the banner of the 20-party alliance, she said.

Earlier, the BNP chief held an opinion-sharing meeting with the pro-BNP upazila chairmen, vice-chairmen and women chairmen belonging to the upazilas under the Chittagong Division.

BNP standing committee members MK Anwar, Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia, vice-chairman M Morshed Khan, joint secretary general Mohammad Shahjahan and organising secretary (Chittagong) Golam Akbar, among others, were present.

ZA