BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will participate in the upcoming national election if it is held in December this year, said BNP Vice Chairman and former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo.
Speaking to reporters after an event in Feni town, Mintoo stated, “If a caretaker government is reintroduced, the election must be held within 90 days. In that case, if the polls are scheduled for December, our leader Khaleda Zia will take part.”
He also hinted at the possibility of an earlier election, saying, “Given the situation, the election could be held before February — possibly in January. However, the final date depends on the Supreme Court’s pending decision regarding the caretaker government.”
Mintoo referred to recent developments in London, claiming that the interim government issued a joint statement following discussions with BNP’s acting chairman. “We want to trust that the election will be held in February,” he added.
Emphasizing the need for democratic legitimacy, the former business leader warned, “If a country goes a decade or two without an elected government, there can be no real economic development or protection of life and property.”
Reiterating BNP’s long-standing demand for a fair election under a neutral administration, Mintoo said, “Since 2006, for 19 years, we’ve been in a movement demanding credible elections. This demand remains unchanged.”
