AL obstructing BNP from joining polls for an easy victory

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the ruling Awami League (AL) of obstructing the opposition from joining the upcoming national election, saying the ruling party wants a "walkover in an empty field."

"You (AL) are creating obstacles for us to participate in the election. You do not want to allow the opposition parties to join the election. The only reason behind this is that you want to get what we call a 'walkover in an empty field'," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting arranged by Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, in memory of Saifuddin Ahmed Moni, general secretary of the Democratic League (DL).

On October 13, Moni died at Birdem Hospital in Mirpur at the age of 68.

Fakhrul said comments from AL leaders on the next general election demonstrate that they consider Bangladesh to be their "paternal property," and one person is the owner of the country.

He said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader sent out the last message to the opposition on Wednesday that Sheikh Hasina will remain the Prime Minister during the election period and she will be elected Prime Minister again.

"If you think that, then there is no need for election... there is no need," Fakhrul said.