Yet again clarifying its stance on the polls-time government, the ruling Awami League on Wednesday said that the next general election will be held under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership in line with the Constitution.
Citing the constitutional provision in this regard, they said the incumbent premier will lead the polls-time government and the Election Commission will conduct the election.
They rejected the BNP's main demand for a non-partisan caretaker government after the removal of the current government, saying that they told foreign diplomats that the people will not allow anything beyond the constitution.
They were addressing a massive peace rally organized by the Dhaka north and south city units of the ruling party in front of the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka Wednesday, protesting what they termed BNP-Jamaat's terrorism and anarchy.
On the other hand, the BNP organized its rally in front of its Naya Paltan central office, from where its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir declared a one-point movement, demanding immediate resignation of the government.
‘Polls only under PM'
Addressing the peace rally, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said: “While the BNP's one-point demand is the removal of Sheikh Hasina, our only point is that the next general election will be under her leadership.
It will be held during the regime of Sheikh Hasina in accordance with the country's constitution, he added while speaking as the chief guest.
“The people love Sheikh Hasina and her honesty. We don't want to lose our leader. The BNP knows they will lose against Sheikh Hasina in the vote; that's why they are conspiring against us,” he added.
On the BNP's demand for a caretaker government, Quader said: “Their dream of removing Sheikh Hasina and reinstalling the caretaker government system will remain stuck like the mud of Naya Paltan that developed after today's rain.”
Hinting at foreign diplomats, he said: “You want a free and fair election and so do we. But we will resist anyone trying to thwart this election process.”
Presidium Member and Deputy Leader in Parliament Matia Chowdhury said that the BNP has tried to topple this government several times but failed.
“In the future, they will be defeated in the elections,” she added.
Another Presidium Member and Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque alleged that the BNP wants to create political turmoil before the election.
“And that's why they are begging foreigners,” he said.
“I will tell our foreign friends that you are our development partners too. We respect you. But internal interference will not be accepted,” he said.
The minister said: “The election will be held according to the constitution; we cannot go beyond it."
Presidium Member and former minister Md Qamrul Islam echoed the same, saying: “There is no chance to form a non-partisan caretaker government in this country anymore.”
Senior party leader Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said that the massive presence at the rally proved that there is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina's government.
Among others, senior leaders Hasan Mahmud, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Abdus Sobhan Golap, Biplab Barua, and Jahangir Kabir Nanak and the mayors of city corporations addressed the rally.
Traffic chaos, public suffering
Traffic in and around the rally venue came to a grinding halt as its adjoining roads and premises were packed with leaders, activists, and supporters of the party. Commuters, especially students and job holders, became the worst sufferers owing to the situation.
Added to the woes was the BNP's rally, which was held at Naya Paltan, just 1.5km off the venue of the Awami League's event. Both events were scheduled around the same time but were delayed due to rain.
Held amid heightened security, the rallies ended peacefully amid speculations that there might be clashes between the country's two main rival parties.
Vibrant participation
The ruling party's rally was initially supposed to start at 3pm but it started 30 minutes later due to rain.
The rally venue had been wearing a festive look since the morning, with supporters flocking in large numbers from parts of the capital and adjoining districts.
Most of them reached there marching, carrying banners, festoons and placards while chanting pro-government slogans. Many were seen travelling on packed buses and pick-up vans.
