Dhaka: BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said it is the people who will determine under which government the next general election will be held in the country.

‘Election is a festival for the country’s 16 crore people, and they’ll join it, no matter whether you (govt) want it or not. They’ll also determine how the election will be held,’ he said, reports the UNB.

Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while speaking at a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Youth Forum at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s unconditional release from jail.

He said people expect to have a representative government through a credible election, but they do not believe that a fair and neutral election is possible under the current government and the Election Commission.

The BNP leader criticised the Election Commission saying it has no ability to work independently and exercise its constitutional power. ‘They only act as per the government dictate.’

He said a level-playing field for all parties is necessary for a fair election, but it is missing in the country as the government is trying to return to power keeping BNP out of the election race as part of its ‘blueprint’.

‘Under the current situation, I don’t see any way for holding a neutral election with the participation of all political parties,’ Khosru added.

Speaking at the programme, BNP vice chairman Ahmed Azam Khan said the Election Commission must take steps for holding the next election in a fair and acceptable manner as people will not allow Awami League to hold another January-5 like ‘lopsided’ election.

He said their party together with people will force the government to free their chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail and hold the next election under a noon-party neutral government.