BNP now only exists online

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday termed BNP as an isolated party and said it is BNP, not Awami League, that is on the brink of bankruptcy, as the party is in fear of elections, and people have no belief in their capacity to hold any demonstration.

"BNP has no existence on the street. It exists only online, inluding on Facebook," he said.

Ruling out the possibility of a situation like one-eleven recurring in the country, he said BNP is dreaming of  another one-eleven, when the army-backed caretaker government declared state of emergency for two years after the BNP regime in 2006.

"BNP is expecting one more one-eleven... but it will not take place again in the country," he said.

Quader, also general secretary of the AL, made the comment while addressing a press conference at his ministry office in the secretariat. 

"BNP wants to go to power not through the ballot, but through undemocratic means," he told the press conference.

He also criticised a statement made by BNP leaders that "BNP will never participate in elections under Awami League".

Quader, however, assured that the election will not take place under the AL government, but it will be held under the Election Commission (EC).

Although BNP is still pursuing their "outdated way" of participating in the polls, it is obvious that the elections will be held timely in the country, he said.

Blasting BNP for resorting to rumours and propaganda as their political strategy, the minister said the birth of this particular political party is widely known to the people.

"BNP is now in a dilemma, as they are not triggering any movement or participating in the elections," he said.

Regarding the selection of candidates for  local government elections, Quader said directives have been given to those in the grassroots for sending particulars of the party's tested leaders.

But appeals could be filed as per the party manifesto, if there is any allegation against any candidate, he added.