There is no doubt about BNP taking part in the upcoming national elections, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

“I don’t know why there is so little excitement on BNP’s part. But it is clear that they will be contesting the polls. We are hopeful,” he told the media on Saturday (Nov 10).

On the other hand, on Friday (Nov 10), at the Oikya Front’s rally at Rajshahi, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul demanded the release of party chief Khaleda Zia saying, “The elections will only take place when an acceptable polls schedule is announced.”

He added that Sheikh Hasina must give up power and ensure a level playing field for all the political parties by releasing Khaleda Zia. “We must keep on protesting to ensure the voting rights of the people.”

Regarding Fakhrul’s demands, Quader said, “It is clearly against the election laws. One cannot announce programs and give provocative speeches after the polls schedule has been announced."

When asked about the three days deadline to inform the EC whether parties will run for polls in a coalition, Quader said, “We will ask them for more time.”