BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday categorically said her party would contest the national elections, but the polls must be held under an interim non-partisan administration.

“BNP is a pro-election political party. We will contest the election even if you [government] want to keep us out of it. We will contest the polls and you must make arrangements to that end,” Khaleda said.

There has been uncertainty in and outside the party as BNP boycotted the last parliamentary polls demanding election under a non-partisan caretaker administration.

However, the government has not yet met that demand this time around. In addition to that, Khaleda has been facing corruption charges and the trial is at the final stage.

The BNP leaders repeatedly alleged that the “false, fabricated and politically motivated” cases were filed against her to keep her away from the next national polls.

Khaleda came up with the statement joining a programme after she was forced to stay in front of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, for nearly one hour. BNP's student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) was scheduled to hold a programme there at 2:00pm to mark its 39th founding anniversary. Khaleda, a former prime minister, was supposed to join the programme as the chief guest.

But, JCD activists found the gate of the institution under lock and key at 10:00am with police on guard.

As they approached the institution authorities to know the reason, the law enforcers said the authorities had taken the steps “for the safety and security of the president”.

President Md Abdul Hamid joined a programme in the Supreme Court located next to the institution.

Later in the afternoon, several hundred activists of JCD took position in front of the main entrance of the institution and staged demonstrations to press home their demand for opening the gate.

Khaleda joined the agitating JCD men at 4:25pm and stayed there sitting in her car until 5:20pm when the authorities opened the gate.

Addressing the programme, the former premier alleged that Sheikh Hasina-led government did not come to power with people's mandate saying, her party would not join election if it is held under the AL government.

“As the government is no elected with peoples vote, election would not be held under them. Parliament should be dissolved,” she said.

Referring to wholesale arrest of BNP leaders and activists, the former premier said, “By repressing our leaders and activists, holding of another farcical election like January 5 would not be allowed in the country anymore. This time election will be an inclusive one.”

Saying that people want a change, Khaleda added election should be held under a non-partisan neutral administration to bring that change.

“Why it is required? It is because fair election was never held under Hasina and will never be held in future,” she added.