Bangladesh News

The BNP-led four-party alliance failed to decide whether to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections even after holding a series of meetings while its 48-hour ultimatum to the government for meeting its four-point demand expired last night.

Following the government’s announcement last night to stick to its decision to hold the parliamentary election on December 18, the alliance leaders said it proves that the government wants to hold a one-sided election blocking the alliance’s participation.

Senior leaders of the alliance will sit again today to decide on their election plan.

They frenetically shuttled within the capital yesterday, holding meetings at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s cantonment residence and her Gulshan office to weigh their options.

Talking to reporters after the alliance’s meeting at Khaleda’s office following the government announcement, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain said the government wants to keep the alliance out of the election.

“The government wants to hold a one-sided election according to its blueprint through which they want to install a puppet government,” Delwar said. “They do not want the [four-party] alliance to take part in the election.”

Delwar criticised the government for not fulfilling any of the alliance’s four demands, “not even…the basic demand for lifting the emergency”.

“The government announced its decision without any discussion even though the four-party alliance was ready for the polls,” Delwar said, adding, “The people will not accept this conspiracy.”

Delwar had threatened earlier yesterday that the BNP would not take part in any “farcical or stage-managed” election because its participation would “only legalise an illegal and farcical election”.

He said despite the critical time BNP is passing through centring the general election, competent persons would be nominated from the party if it decides to take part in the poll.

“Opinions of the grassroots level leaders would be considered for finalising party nominations but everyone should remain alert about those who had cheated the party,” Delwar said hinting at the so-called reformist BNP leaders.

He said they have already received organisational reports from local BNP units.