BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Wednesday said she would accept the outcome of the next general elections, even if the Awami League wins, given the polls are held under a non-partisan caretaker government.
“Those who will win the election will take charge of the country. We will welcome you [Awami League] if you win in the election,” she said addressing an Iftar party at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital organised by factions of the Bangladesh Federal Journalist Union (BFUJ) and Dhaka Journalist Union.
Since the restoration of the democratic process in 1990, the defeated party in the elections has never accepted the polls’ results and has instead accused the winners of rigging and manipulation of the election process.
BNP has been waging a movement demanding that a non-partisan interim government holds the elections, after the current ruling party cancelled the caretaker government system through the 15th amendment to the constitution.
Khaleda urged the government to resolve the political crisis through dialogue saying: “I want to ask the government to come and discuss to restore the non-party interim government. We will congratulate you if you win the polls.”
The leader of the opposition said: “In Bhola and Bramanbaria by-polls, huge vote rigging and terrorism took place and the same thing happened in the Kishorgonj by-polls. Free and fair election cannot be held under this government.”
Criticising the government for “repression” Khaleda said: “18 journalists were killed during the rule of this government, but no one was tried. Journalist couple Sagar-Runi’s trial is yet a far cry.”
She was also critical of the government for shutting down the Daily Amar Desh, Diganta and Islamic TV and urged the government to let them reopen soon.
BFUJ president Ruhul Amin Gazi presided over the Iftar party while the general secretary of the organisation Shawkat Mahmud made the welcoming speech. Later, a prayer was offered seeking peace and prosperity of the country and its people.
