Jatiya Oikya Front leaders have become more active, keeping the release of Khaleda Zia in perspective. On Tuesday, Dec 3, at a meeting held at Gono Forum with President Dr Kamal Hossain, they expressed a desire to launch new programmes, which may be announced in a day or two.

Reportedly, at the meeting, Dr Kamal is believed to have said, “There is no use pursuing politics which involves giving statements only.”

Unless an effective protest was organised, political efforts would not be effective, he added.

Three leaders present at the meet said that a new programme would be declared keeping the Martyred Intellectual Day on Dec 14 and Victory Day on Dec 16 in focus.

However, BNP standing committee member, Abdul Moyeen Khan said that BNP’s position would become clear within the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, an Oikya Front leader said: “The BNP could have appointed Dr Kamal Hossain as Khaleda Zia’s lawyer; Dr Kamal also showed interest but BNP top brass did not act intelligently.”

Another Oikya Front leader said: “At this moment, Khaleda Zia’s release is the main issue and if she is not released then active opposition has to be organised.”

After the meeting, Dr Kamal Hossain said: “There is a chance for Khaleda Zia to get bail from the high court and she deserves bail on humanitarian grounds.”

One BNP source says: “A discussion may take place about Dr Kamal Hossain going to Khaleda Zia’s bail hearing on  Dec 5.”

Given the uncertain political condition of the country, there is the possibility of unity among opposition parties. Realising this, all parties are eager for a common platform.

Dr Zafrullah observed: “The country needs discipline and for that, Khaleda Zia needs to be released. Otherwise, the country will move towards anarchy.”

At the meeting, ASM Abdur Rab said that unless something was done right, there was no point keeping the front.

Meanwhile, there is talk within the BNP about which leader will be given nomination for the forthcoming Chattogram-8 by-election. BNP vice-chairman Abdullah Al Noman is the front runner.

Other sources from Jamaat say that Dr Shafiqur Rahman would take over as the new amir on Dec 5, Thursday, when Khaleda Zia’s bail hearing would be held.

Jamaat’s new political strategies will become clear from the proposals made by the central committee Shura.

BNP standing committee member, Selima Rahman, added: “Khaleda Zia deserves bail but if that does not happen then there will be new programmes.”

But a BNP source adds: “The BNP does not have the organizational capacity to sustain a big movement and the condition of sister bodies, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and others is also precarious.”

Two days ago, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “Khaleda Zia will not compromise.”