Early polls or movement: Fakhrul

The BNP has warned of an anti-government movement unless their demand for early election under a non-partisan government is met.

The party's acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday that the government must be overthrown if people were to get relief from the 'suffocating' situation.

"Our leader has already told the government to arrange a fair election under a non-partisan government. Otherwise, we'll wage a movement with the people by our side, to overthrow them," he said at a discussion in Dhaka.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia took the audience seat at this discussion, held to observe the death anniversary of her husband and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Besides the senior BNP leadership, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed and BJP Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partha also spoke at the discussion.

Oli, the leader of a BNP ally, urged the government to arrange early polls "for its own good".

BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed also asked the government for early elections. "Otherwise, the BNP will have no alternative but to launch a movement," he said.

The BNP boycotted the 10th general elections in January that took place under the Awami League government. The government has been silent about their early election demands.

All speakers at the discussion alleged there was an ongoing effort to undermine Zia's contribution to the Liberation War.