Govt has nothing to do if BNP does not join polls: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government has nothing to do if BNP does not participate in the upcoming general election.

"It is a political decision. We have nothing to do if BNP does not participate in the next general election," Hasina said this while addressing a press conference at her official residence Gono Bhaban in Dhaka this afternoon.

The premier said that the next general election will be held in due time, no matter whichever party takes part in the 11th parliamentary election or not.

Responding to a query, Hasina cited BNP sponsored atrocities that carried out across the country in 2013, 14 and 2015 and said their threat to thwart the national election is nothing new.

About Khaleda Zia's verdict, Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League, said the close aids of Khaleda Zia have filed the case against her during the last caretaker government and the court has given the judgment.

The chief of the past caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed and the then chief of Army Staff Gen Moeen Uddin Ahmed have filed the case against Khaleda Zia.

Isn’t there anyone to be acting BNP chairman

She also criticised BNP for dropping the section seven from its charter to make Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the party.

"Has the BNP plunged into a severe setback? Isn't there anyone in the country, who could be the acting chairman of the party," the prime minister told a questioner.

“Yes, it’s usual that the senior most vice chairman will act as the chairman of a party in absence of the chairman. But their acting chairman is an absconding accused and he is not even in the country,” said Sheikh Hasina.

The section seven of BNP’s charter said if a person is convicted as per 1972 presidential order, declared bankrupt, proved unbalanced, known as corrupt or notorious in society, he or she is disqualified from being member of the national council, the national executive committee, the standing committee or member of executive committee at any level.

The person will also be disqualified from being nominated by the party to contest in the national elections, according to the section.

Tarique Rahman left the country during the last caretaker government regime giving an undertaken that he would not involve in politics ever, Hasina mentioned.

Hasina said she gave all party charge to Zillur Rahman when she was detained during the last caretaker government.

"I did not give the charge to my sister Sheikh Rehana or anyone living abroad," Hasina said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was addressing a press conference at Gono Bhaban this afternoon about the outcome of her recent official visit to Italy and Vatican City.

The prime minister went to Italy on Sunday last on a four-day official visit to join the meeting of Rome-based International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as one of its keynote speakers at the invitation of IFAD President Gilbert F Houngbo.

At the invitation of Pope Francis, Hasina also visited the Holy See (Vatican City) and held meetings with the Pope and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Hasina returned home on Saturday evening after making a stopover in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.