Won't allow one-sided election

Saying that no one-sided election would be allowed to be held in the country, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday urged people to vote for her party in the next polls.

"I want to say good days lie ahead and cast your votes to ensure victory for the BNP. We will move the country towards peace, democracy and development," she said while addressing an iftar party organised by Dhaka city unit BNP at a city convention centre.

The former PM said, "The Awami League fears elections more than anything else. They are thinking of clinging to power by other means, but they will not be allowed to do so this time."

Khaleda also alleged that the AL would try to hold a one-sided election, keeping the BNP leaders out of the polls by filing cases against them.

One-sided election would not be acceptable to anyone, she said, hoping that this time election would be inclusive.

"We want to participate in the polls, but it has to be held properly. The election should be held under an election-time assistive government," the BNP chief said.

UNB adds: Khaleda said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would have to join the next polls, quitting power. "No election will be held under Hasina. She [Hasina] will take part in the polls, but not by staying in power."

She advised the leaders and activists of Dhaka city BNP's two units to make their organisation stronger ahead of the national elections.

The BNP chief expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in landslides in Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar and Chittagong.

Khaleda also said people were enduring immense sufferings as prices of essentials continued to rise regularly alongside the hike of power and gas tariffs.

She also alleged that the ruling party men were indulging in widespread plundering of public money in many ways instead of working for people.

The BNP chief said the government kept on repressing her party's leaders and activists and making them disappeared even in this Ramadan.

She warned that the government would not be able to hang on to power by using law enforcers and suppressing people.

Khaleda called upon the police to serve people instead of working for any party. "Ensure public security, and stand by people. Take action against offenders from the ruling party. You'll be there fine in the future as we've a plan to take various programmes for your welfare."