Leaders of the BNP-led four-party alliance yesterday said they would not participate in the December 18 election without Khaleda Zia.

They also demanded that the caretaker government clear the air over the BNP chief's polls participation before the announcement of election schedule on November 2.

They were addressing a gathering at the National Press Club auditorium.

"You must say loud and clear now if they [BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina] would be allowed to contest the election," said BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain.

"We want to make it clear that the four-party alliance won't take part in the election without Khaleda Zia," he added.

He, however, said they welcome the Election Commission's decision to unveil the polls schedule on November 2.

The meeting was organised as part of the alliance's countrywide programmes to press home the seven-point demand that includes lifting of the state of emergency, deferment of upazila polls and withdrawal of all 'false' cases against Khaleda Zia.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid, Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, Bangladesher Jatiya Party (BJP) Secretary General Shamim Al Mamun and Islami Oikya Jote Secretary General Abdul Latif Nezami, among others, were the speakers.

Over 600 leaders and workers of the four parties gathered in and outside the auditorium.

"Don't try to foil the ninth parliamentary election. The result won't be good," the BNP secretary general cautioned the government.

"We are always an election-oriented party and so are our allies. We want to participate in the election, but the caretaker government will have to work according to the agreements we reached at the last round of talks."

He however did not elaborate on the agreements.

Delwar said their coalition will continue to hold protest rallies until the government pledges there would be no obstacles to the BNP chief's participation in the polls.

Mojahid said there is no legal bar to Khaleda's competing in the polls. But the way the government is citing legal complexities over the matter reeks of conspiracy.

He said he is afraid plots are on to have Khaleda and Hasina convicted through mock trials and leave them out of the election.

Mojahid said those who want an election minus Khaleda Zia are in fact out to turn the country into a failed state.