Modi, who is seeking a rare third consecutive term, referred to Muslims as "infiltrators" during a campaign speech on Sunday, drawing widespread criticism from opposition groups
India realised backing Awami League in 2014 polls was a mistake: Khaleda
The Awami League was able to organise a 'one-sided' election with 'India's support' in 2014, but the situation has changed, Khaleda Zia claims.
Published : 15 June 2017, 05:34 PM
Updated : 15 June 2017, 06:16 PM
The BNP chairperson said in several Iftar programmes recently that the government would not be able to hold the next parliamentary election without her party.
At an Iftar party in the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on Thursday, she revealed what has made her optimistic.
"The 2014 election was not an election in the first place. No one recognised it, except our neighbour (India)," she said.
"But they have changed their tone slightly this time. They have understood that they had made a mistake.
"So, there will be no election without the participation of the BNP, the 20-Party Alliance. The Awami League won't be able to conduct any election alone," she added.
Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla is seen in a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in this Aug 8, 2016 file photo
The former prime minister reiterated the demand for a ‘neutral’ election-time government. An impartial election is possible only after ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her arch political rival said.
She suggested the caretaker government system could be reinstated with a new name.
Khaleda also slammed Hasina for visiting Sweden while landslides left at least 150 dead in five southeastern districts in Bangladesh in past three days.
"And the Awami League leader is on a pleasure trip. She has no sympathy for the people of the country," she added.
The BNP chief recalled that Hasina went abroad during the 2007-'08 emergency. "Moeen Uddin and Fakhruddin asked her to leave and she did so. She returned after much drama.
"They asked me to leave, but I didn't...My elder son (BNP Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman) would have been in a better condition and I would not have to lose my younger son (Arafat Rahman Coco) had I left," Khaleda said.
"But I haven't left the country, the people...but Moeen, Fakhruddin fled," she added.
She also slated the government for hiked rice price.
Fakhruddin Ahmed was the chief adviser to the 2007-'08 military-controlled caretaker government. Moeen U Ahmed was the then army chief.
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