The opposition BNP may fall apart if it does not participate in the next elections, Agriculture Minister and Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Md Abdur Razzaque has said.
“It is also possible that BNP will not participate in the elections. BNP's existence would be questioned,” he said while attending a peace rally in Tangail on Saturday.
“Many people may join our (Awami League) party from BNP. They can also talk to us to join other parties. We will take a decision based on the case,” he added.
“Situation will tell whether alliances would grow in the next election,” the minister said.
The agriculture minister went on to highlight that the Awami League is a party with a rich history. Even when it was not in power, the party consistently placed itself at the forefront to address national issues and take action.
The minister further stated that despite the BNP's calls for a caretaker government, even though the constitution of Bangladesh clearly states that elections are to be held under the government in power.
The election will be conducted by the Election Commission, he said adding that the prime minister, army, and police have nothing to do there.
Razzaque added that Awami League's peace rally is not a counter-program for BNP.
“This peace rally is organized so that BNP cannot create tension like in 2015 in the name of movement and destabilize the country and push it towards disaster. This rally is to maintain people's safety,” he said.
It is the responsibility of Awami League leaders and activists to cooperate with law enforcers to maintain peace and order in Bangladesh, he added.
The agriculture minister also noted that Awami League is with the people of Bangladesh. “Prices of fertilizers would not increase. The prime minister will do everything to ensure that the agricultural sector remains intact.”
