Dhaka: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday warned that their party will not allow the government to hold the next general election keeping their leaders and activists in jail.

‘Around 78,000 cases have been filed against over 7.5 lakh BNP leaders and activists. Our Chairperson Khaleda Zia has also been harassed in false cases,’ he said.

Speaking at a warm-cloth distribution programme, the BNP leader further said, ‘We would like to clearly say no election can be held here sending BNP leaders and activists to jail in those false cases. All the cases must be withdrawn before the polls.’

Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, the BNP’s women wing, arranged the programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, marking the 82^nd birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman.

Fakhrul urged the government and the Election Commission to take steps for ensuring a level-playing field for all political parties. ‘We want the next general election to be held as early as possible under a neutral administration. A level-playing field must be created for all before the polls.’

Referring to media reports that the Prime Minister is going to launch her party’s election campaign on January 30 from Sylhet, he said fair elections cannot be held if Sheikh Hasina seeks votes for boat visiting different areas of the country through helicopter keeping Khaleda busy appearing before court five days in a week.

Fakhrul harshly criticised the government for what he said its failure to check the soaring prices of daily essentials.

He also called upon people from all walks of life to wake up to restore ‘democracy’ in the country.