Ruling Awami League Presidium Member Mohammad Nasim Wednesday said to save her party's existence BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia must join the next national polls in 2019.
“There is no doubt that the next national polls will be held in 2019. According to the constitution, the polls will be held under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We hope all-party will also join the general polls,” he said.
Health Minister Nasim made the statement as chief guest of a discussion meeting organised by Awami League associate body Swechchasebok League in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban in Dhanmondi in the capital.
The meeting was organised to observe the 66th birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Nasim, also spokesperson of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, said: “BNP chief Khaleda Zia should join the polls in 2019 if she wants her party to exist. BNP will lose its existence If Khaleda makes another mistake in next national polls.”
The BNP boycotted the national polls held on January 5 in 2014 under the ruling Awami league government, resulting in the one-sided victory of the Awami League.
Nasim further said: “We will face more challenges in the next polls. The opportunists will take only benefits from the party now, but they would not be found in times of crisis. So all party-men should be alert about the opportunists.”
