US ambassador meets Khaleda

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat yesterday called upon all political parties to make their voices heard in a peaceful manner.

"Bangladesh's commitment to democracy has played an essential role in the country's development. I encourage all political parties to make their voices heard in a peaceful manner," she said in a statement after meeting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at the latter's Gulshan residence.

"I appreciated the opportunity to hear Khaleda Zia's thoughts on the political situation in Bangladesh," added the envoy.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the US embassy David Meale, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior leader Abdul Moyeen Khan, and the party chief's advisers Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed were present.

Talking to reporters last night, Moyeen Khan said the country's latest situation in politics, economy, law and order and democracy came up for discussion at the meeting.

He said a government, formed through a "voter-less election" two years ago, is running the country in a way where there is "no accountability and transparency".

Democracy gets stronger where people have freedom of speech, but there is no such freedom in the country now, he claimed.

MEETING WITH KRISHAK DAL LEADERS

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia last night alleged that the government retained its power by "committing killings, enforced disappearances, repression, filing false cases and using the police force".

"They [government] are using the police to hang on to power. That's why police now think they're in control of everything. They are raising a slogan -- Hilsa is the king of fishes and police are the king of the state. What a slogan it is!" she said.

The farmers can claim themselves to be the country's king as they grow food and feed people, said Khaleda while exchanging views with the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal at her Gulshan office.