Hopeful that BNP will take part in polls: EC Rashida

Election commissioner Rashida Sultana today expressed her hope that ongoing political instability would be reduced, and BNP would participate in the next national elections.

She came up with the expectation while talking to reporters at her EC office.

Saying that the party started preparation for the next national polls, she said, "We are still hopeful that BNP will participate in the elections. It is hard to say even before a day before the polling what would be the political strategy of a political party."

The 12th parliamentary election is likely to be held late December this year or early January next year.

She also hoped that BNP's confidence in the EC would grow.

Rasheda Sultana said that there is nothing the commission can do about political instability. "But I believe the political instability will be reduced and ultimately there would be a free and fair election," she added.

The commission is not facing any kind of pressure from any quarter while conducting polls so far, she also said.

"But from the outside, many are assuming that EC is under pressure. But, in fact, we are not facing any such pressure. People have to believe," she added.