Dhaka: Bangladesh Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said BNP will have join the next general election since the party is at the risk of losing its registration if it boycotts the polls again.

‘As the January-5 election didn’t wait for anyone, the next polls also won’t do it either. But, there’s no reason for any party not to join the polls. I also think BNP won’t take a stupid decision of boycotting the polls with a risk of cancellation of its registration,’ he said.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at Awami League President’s Dhanmondi political office ahead of Mohila Awami League’s 5th national council.

Replying to BNP leader’s comment that no election will be allowed to be held without the participation of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in it, he said as time and tide wait for none and the election and the constitution will also wait for no one.

Asked whether there is any scope for BNP to join the election-time interim government, the AL leader said how their party will accommodate BNP as there is no such option in the constitution.

As his attention was drawn to BNP’s demand for an election-time supportive government, Quader said, ‘There’s a provision of an-interim government, not supportive one, in the constitution. We don’t have objection to interim government as it was formed before the last general election.’

The AL general secretary stressed the need for restoring discipline within the party and its grassroots. ‘No intra-party conflict will be allowed within the party. No one will be allowed to indulge in any activity that may create public discontent.’

About Comilla City Corporation polls, he said Awami League leaders and activists will get united and work together to ensure the victory of their party mayoral candidate as they did it in Narayanganj city polls.