Khaleda Zia in good health, will contest upcoming election: Abdul Awal Mintoo

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is reportedly in good health and will participate in the upcoming national elections, confirmed BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo.

Speaking at a press meeting held Wednesday at the Grand Sultan Convention Hall in Feni, Mintoo assured journalists that the BNP leader intends to contest the election and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the region.

“Everyone knows Feni’s electoral history. If the election is free and fair, Insha’Allah, BNP will win here. Our leader Khaleda Zia will take part in the election. She is currently healthy, and there is no concern about the election in Feni,” Mintoo said.

The BNP leader also highlighted recent developments regarding the election timeline. “Following discussions with our acting chairman in London, a joint statement was issued with the interim government. We expect the election to be held in the first week of February. However, considering the current political situation, it might be held earlier, possibly in January. There is an ongoing Supreme Court case regarding the caretaker government. If reinstated, the interim government will act as caretaker, under which elections must be held within 90 days,” he explained.

Mintoo further stressed the party’s longstanding demand for elections, refuting claims that BNP suddenly wants polls.

“We have endured 19 years of struggle, oppression, and repression. It is incorrect to say we are suddenly calling for elections. Since 2006, we have been demanding elections. A government not accountable to the people cannot work for their welfare. The 2008 election was neither free nor fair, and there has been no election-time government since 2006. Without an elected government for two decades, improvements in people’s economic and social lives remain elusive,” Mintoo said.