Govt wants to hold next JS polls without BNP: Fakhrul

Awami League is speaking about formation of the election time government unilaterally to keep BNP aside from the election process, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged today.

"BNP is a democratic political party and thus we want to participate in the next general election but the Awami League wants our nonparticipation," Fakhrul said this while addressing a programme at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

While talking to reporters at secretariat in Dhaka on Wednesday, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said that there is possibility of the poll-time government formation in October.

"If BNP doesn't participate that doesn't mean it'll be unilateral polls. Many other parties will participate in the polls and it will be an inclusive one," Quader also road transport and bridges minister told a questioner.

Terming such move of the ruling Awami League as unilateral, Fakhrul said a level playing field must be ensured and there is no alternative to the polls-time neutral government to hold the next general election in a free, fair and impartial manner.

Khaleda Zia should be first released from jail and the current parliament will have to be dissolved, he said adding that otherwise no impartial election will be held in the country.

The ruling party leaders are carrying out electioneering across the country by boarding helicopters while BNP men are being sent to jail in connection with fake and politically motivated cases, Fakhrul said.

About Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) elections slated for June 26, Fakhrul blamed the election commission for not discharging its duties impartially.