The BNP yesterday said the government had started bowing to people’s demand for holding an election soon.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday told a press briefing that a democratic government can hold elections any time. The prime minister has presumably accepted the demand for an immediate election,” BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while addressing a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.
He spoke after after holding a joint meeting with leaders of the party and its associate bodies.
The premier, during Thursday’s briefing on her recent UAE visit, said any government has the right to call election any time according to the parliamentary democratic system.
“What would have happened if there was no election on January 5? Do not forget that we had to recover from the 1/11 shocks. Since we already arranged an election, there will be another one and it will be held on schedule,” she said.
“It does not matter who understands what. A government has the power to hold an election any time. Let people understand whatever they want to. I cannot explain anything,” added Hasina.
Fakhrul yesterday said the government would take initiatives to hold election immediately after realising the demand of the people.
“People want to see an election in the country at once and it seems the prime minister has begun realising this. This is why what she said about election is meaningful,” he said.
He said the BNP would contest election whenever the government arranged it, adding that the election should be inclusive and fair.
“BNP is moving ahead by preparing for elections and agitation simultaneously,” said Fakhrul.
The BNP acting secretary general described the prime minister’s UAE visit as a failure. He said the visit did not succeed as the government failed to ink any agreement on manpower export.
“Export of female workers is nothing new. Besides, women who fly abroad to work become victims of repression. It is a shame for the nation,” he said.
The party announced a 10-day programme to observe November 7, which it calls the National Revolution and Solidarity Day as it BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was released from detention on the day.
The 10-day programme will begin on November 5 and will continue till November 14.