BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party thinks Khaleda Zia is eligible to join the election.
"It matters little what the ruling party leaders say. Our chairperson [Khaleda] is still eligible to join the election and we believe she will do so," he said.
Fakhrul came up with remarks while talking to reporters at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office in the afternoon, reports UNB.
The BNP leader alleged that the government and the Election Commission are not paying heed to any demand made by the opposition parties to ensure a level-playing field.
Fakhrul voiced concern that their party's prospective candidates are being arrested, sent to jail, and not being released on bail.
He alleged that the government is trying to establish its influence in the election by using the lower courts.
Fakhrul said they interviewed 183 nomination seekers of their party under the Barisal division in the morning and they are now interviewing nomination seekers from the Khulna division.
BNP collected three nomination forms for Khaleda, convicted in two graft cases, to field her as the party's candidate in Feni-1, Bagura-6 and Bagura-7 constituencies.
Legal experts said the apex court willnow determine whether the BNP chairperson can join the upcoming general election or not.
"We would like to say the arrest of our leaders and activists must be stopped and all political prisoners released. Khaleda Zia's release is especiallyvery crucial," he said.
