Schedule after October: Quader

Obaidul Quader. Star file photo

The Election Commission will announce the schedule of the next general elections after October, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said on Saturday.

"As per the constitution, the government will have to hold the elections by January 25 next year," the minister told reporters after inaugurating Digitalised Axle Load Control Station at Baradargarhat in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong.

He urged the main opposition BNP, to join the parliament and discuss the structure of the election-time government.

"The Speaker can play a supportive role in this regard," the minister said.

About the opposition's anti-government movement, Quader said there is no instance that any government was ousted by enforcing hartal (shutdown) or blockade since 1969.

"The government will have to be toppled through elections," he said.

Such types of political agitation have hampered development of the country, the minister said.