'Govt lost the right to stay in office'

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who sat out the 2014 national polls, says the government lost its right to stay in office as it has “failed to provide security to the people”.

Her latest claim came at a media conference on Sunday, a day after the Election Commission formally warned her of flouting electoral norms.

Khaleda’s party has endorsed candidates for the Apr 28 city polls.

She hit the campaign trail for BNP-backed candidates in Dhaka but faced attacks thrice.

“The government which cannot ensure safety of the citizens, has no right to stay in power,” the former prime minister told the media at her Gulshan office.

She had stayed there for three months since January after failing to get out to lead anti-government agitations.

It is her first press conference since leaving the office in early April. 

She reiterated her demand for army deployment during the city polls alleging the government was “creating panic” to prevent voters from reaching polling stations.

More to follow