BNP's Anwar invites Hasina to poll bout

BNP senior leader MK Anwar yesterday invited Sheikh Hasina to fight an electoral battle against him at his constituency in Comilla and prove her popularity as prime minister.
“The Sheikh Hasina government remains in power by force. I am challenging Hasina to contest against me, holding her premiership. I might be a low profile leader, but I will fight against you,” he said, observing that the government's popularity had reduced to zero.
“If the premier defeats me, I will accept her as prime minister,” said the BNP standing committee member, who was elected MP from his constituency (Homna and Titas) in 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2008. The last election, held on January 5, was boycotted by his party and its allies.
MK Anwar was addressing a meeting at the capital's Jatiya Press Club, organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, women's wing of the party, to mark the 33rd death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.
Anwar said it had become clear that the ruling party men were involved in the murders of seven people in Narayanganj and that of Phulgazi upazila chairman Ekramul Haq in Feni.
Describing the country's present situation as "alarming", Anwar said the government had created anarchy to stay in power. He called upon Hasina to hold a fresh election under a non-party administration; otherwise, he said, "you will have to face dire consequences.”