BNP says 'no' to Hasina-led polls-time govt

The BNP yesterday said the Awami League general secretary's latest comment on the polls-time supportive government was an indication of “pushing the country towards a grave danger”.

“The election will be conducive to the candidates having the electoral symbol 'boat' if the supportive government is formed under Sheikh Hasina. It won't be favourable for fair and participatory polls,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he said the AL leader's comment had “upset people”.

On Tuesday, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader told reporters in Comilla that the next general election would be held under the Election Commission. “Sheikh Hasina will only play the role of a supportive government during the election as per the constitution.”

Mentioning that people “couldn't cast their votes” in the previous polls held under Hasina, Rizvi said people no longer wanted to see any election under the incumbent premier.

He said there was no use of showing the constitutional rules and obligations as excuses since the charter can be amended for people's welfare.

Inclusion of an election-time supportive-government system in the constitution is a demand of all people and political parties, said the BNP leader.

Rizvi also warned that people would resist any plot of the government to hold a unilateral election. “The next general election will not be held under Sheikh Hasina. People will give a befitting reply this time if the government tries to carry out any blueprint for the polls.”

The BNP leader urged the government to take steps for holding a fair and inclusive election.