Khaleda eligible for contesting the polls: BNP

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Bangla Tribune Report
Published : 18:05, Nov 19, 2018 | Updated : 18:09, Nov 19, 2018

A three-time premier, Khaleda Zia is now in jail after convicted of corruption. Nashirul Islam/FILE PHOTOThe BNP says that its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now in jail after convicted of graft, is eligible to run in the general election slated for Dec 30.
“It doesn’t matter what the Awami League leaders say. We believe Khaleda Zia is still competent for taking part in the election. There’s no doubt she can contest,” Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday (Nov 19).
Briefing the media at the party chief’s Gulshan offices, he said Khaleda’s release from prison was imperative for a credible election.
Popular BNP leaders are facing arrests and threats, alleged the senior party leader.
“Soon after the polls schedules were announced, arbitrary arrests and false cases against our activists have spiked.
“Especially, popular leaders who are likely to wing from their constituencies are being arrested and kept behind the bars without bail,” he said before adding that the government is using the judiciary to influence the polls.
It’s the Election Commission’s duty to ensure a level playing field and congenial atmosphere, and take responsibility of the government, said Mirza Fakhrul before adding, “We do not believe a free and fair election will be held in this situation.

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