DHAKA: The opposition BNP said the nation would never accept if the government constitutionally declares ‘Father of Nation” by amending the Constitution.

“The people never accept any decision imposed on them,” said  
party secretary-general Khondakar Delwar Hossain to journalists after a joint meeting of BNP and its front organizations at the party central office on Tuesday noon, referring to the ruling Awami League’s reported move.

He also said, “The ruling government may take any decision with their majority in parliament, but it will not be possible to execute the decision.”

The meeting also discussed programmes for the BNP’s 32nd founding anniversary on September 1, Tarique Release Day on September 3 and Khaleda Zia Release Day on September 11.

Delwar said they decided to hold a discussion on August 31 marking the three special days.

Regarding programmes for the founding anniversary, he said BNP leaders led by party chairperson Khaleda Zia will pay tribute to the party founder, late president Ziaur Rahman, by placing wreaths at his grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Besides, special prayers will be offered on the premises of tomb of Zia, who had a meteoric rise from an army major when he read out on the radio the Proclamation of Independence during the 1971 Liberation War. He became army chief and then President of Bangladesh and ruled the country until slain in 1981.        

Vice-chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, senior joint-secretary-general Mirza Faqrul Islam Alamgir, Joint-Secretary-General Amanullah Aman, former mayor of Rajshari City Corporation Mizanur Rahman Minu, presidents and general secretaries of party’s front organizations attended the joint meeting.

BDST 1629 HRS AUG 17, 2010