BNP slates PM over London remarks

Acting secretary general of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said there was no substance to the prime minister's recent remarks on the next general election.
“Fair election is not possible under a political administration and the ruling Awami League once again proved it in the last three years,” he told newsmen after paying tributes to late president Ziaur Rahman at his grave in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
He visited the grave along with Jubo Dal leader Rafiqul Alam Majnu, who was recently released from jail.
Speaking to journalists in London, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said her government was working to ensure free, fair and neutral polls in future and the next general election will be held following other democratic countries as models.
Rejecting the prime minister's stance, Fakhrul said the opposition parties will not participate in any election under a political government and such election will not be allowed to be held.
The government wants chaos in the country, complained Fakhrul, but the BNP wants to see a peaceful handover of power and the next election held under a neutral administration.
He vowed to wage a tougher movement after the Eid-ul-Fitr to compel the government to restore the caretaker government system.
“You still have time. Please amend the constitution to ensure a free and fair election. Otherwise, you will have to face dire consequences. Agitation will get tougher day by day after the Eid,” he warned the government.
He also censured the government for terming former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain “a patriot.” “Such remarks [made by the premier] would only inspire the corrupt persons.”
The Padma bridge loan agreement with the World Bank would not have been cancelled, had Abul resigned nine months ago, mentioned the BNP leader.
The World Bank in September last year had suspended its $1.2 billion credit for the $2.97 billion Padma bridge project making allegation of corruption.
The lead financier cancelled the funding last month.