BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu said, “Our party leader Khaleda Zia is healthy and she will participate in the next election.” He made these comments in response to questions from journalists at an event in Feni.

Participating in an event organized at the Grand Sultan Convention Hall in Feni town on Wednesday afternoon, Mintu said, “Feni’s past history in elections is known to everyone. If there is a fair election, InshaAllah, BNP will win here. We are not worried about the election.”

He also said, “A joint statement has been made about the interim government after talking to our acting chairman in London. We trust that. I hope the election will be held in the first week of February, although considering the current situation in the country, it could be in January.”

Awal Mintu said, “Since 2006, we have been demanding a free and fair election. If someone says we are suddenly demanding an election, that is not right. For the past 19 years, we have faced movement, struggle, torture and obstacles. If the government is not accountable to the people, then good governance is never possible.”

He further alleged, “The 2008 election was not free and fair. There has been no effective election-time government in the country since 2006. An elected government has been absent for almost two decades. And that is why the standard of living of the people of the country has not improved. Development is not possible without a people's government.”

In his speech, the top BNP leader highlighted the possibility of early elections, Khaleda Zia's participation and the importance of ensuring a fair election.