Khaleda in good health, ready to contest next polls
- Staff Reporter :
BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has stated that party chairperson Khaleda Zia is in good health and intends to contest the upcoming national elections, which are expected to take place in mid-February next year.
Speaking at an event held at the Grand Sultan Convention Hall in Feni on Wednesday, Mintoo expressed confidence in his party’s prospects.
“Feni has a well-known electoral history. If the polls are conducted fairly, Insha’Allah, the BNP will secure victory here. Our leader Khaleda Zia is doing well and will take part in the election. We have no concerns about Feni,” he said.
Mintoo confirmed that the BNP has agreed to a joint declaration with the interim government after consultations with acting party chairman Tarique Rahman, who is currently based in London.
“We expect the election to be held in the first week of February as indicated, though given the evolving situation, it may even be brought forward to January. A Supreme Court case regarding the caretaker government remains pending,” he added.
He explained that, should the court rule in favour of restoring the caretaker system, the current interim administration would be constitutionally obliged to transition into a formal caretaker government and hold elections within 90 days.
Reflecting on the BNP’s longstanding call for credible elections, Mintoo said the party’s demands date back to 2006.
“We’ve faced 19 years of political adversity, repression, and injustice. It’s incorrect to suggest that our interest in elections is recent-we have consistently demanded free and fair polls,” he said.
He further argued that democratic accountability is essential for national development. “Without an elected government that answers to the people, sustainable progress is not possible. This is why we are committed to ensuring that elections take place,” Mintoo added.
Reiterating the BNP’s stance on past electoral processes, Mintoo claimed that the 2008 general election lacked credibility and transparency.
“Since 2006, there has been no genuine election-time government in place. For nearly two decades, the country has lacked an elected, accountable administration. Without such a framework, economic development and improvements in public welfare remain difficult to achieve,” he said.