BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has asserted there would be no elections without a non-partisan government and that her party would not allow polls without a non-partisan administration.
"Hasina did not accept an election under KM Hassan in 2007," she said while addressing a mass rally in Rangpur Zilla School field.
"There is no question of accepting polls under Hasina's government. It will never be a fair election."
The opposition leader said her party would “observe” the government until October 25.
"We hope the government will place a bill for non-party caretaker government in the meantime," she said. "Otherwise we will lean towards agitation on the street to have our demand realised."
The “last session” of the incumbent ninth parliament is scheduled to end on October 25.
The Rangpur crowd remained for the entirety of Khaleda’s 40-minute speech amidst a downpour.
The opposition leader alleged that Awami League had carried out attacks on religious minorities and called out for communal harmony.
She reiterated her claim that many Hefazat-e-Islam supporters were killed during the police raid on May 5.
Khaleda warned that Awami League was “planning to stage” an election and called upon everyone to resist any such attempts. She said: "There is still time. Act in favour of the people. Do not hold elections under a partisan government.
"I have not come here to seek votes. We must resist this orchestrated election."
She described the Election Commission as “spineless.”
The opposition leader said she was confident that BNP would come to power in the future if elections were held under a neutral body.
She promised Rangpur of more foreign investment for development and employment opportunities.
Earlier in the day, Khaleda made a short speech to a crowd while leaving Bogra Circuit House.
