Will Khaleda Zia Compete in the Upcoming Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khaleda Zia will run in the upcoming elections.
- BNP expresses confidence in winning Feni.
- The elections may occur as soon as January.
- Concerns about the fairness of the electoral process remain.
- Security measures were heightened for Khaleda Zia's return.
Dhaka, July 30 (NationPress) Abdul Awal Mintoo, the Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), confirmed on Wednesday that the party's leader, Khaleda Zia, will be running in the forthcoming elections. He conveyed optimism regarding the BNP's success if "fair elections" take place.
Mintoo stated, "There is no concern regarding elections in the district. Our leader [Khaleda Zia] is well now. She will contest the election. There is no worry about Feni," as reported by local media during an event in Feni district town.
He expressed his belief in the party's victory, asserting, "If a fair election is held, BNP will surely win in Feni, as the district has a well-known electoral history."
Mintoo mentioned that considering the current political landscape, elections might occur earlier, potentially in January. He pointed out that a case concerning the caretaker government is presently under consideration at the Supreme Court. "If the court permits the reinstatement of the caretaker system, then this interim government will function as a caretaker government, and according to the Constitution, elections must occur within 90 days under a caretaker government," he stated.
He affirmed that the BNP trusts the agreement established between the interim government and the party's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rehman, during a meeting held in London.
Mintoo indicated that depending on the evolving legal and political situation, the elections could be held sooner.
He emphasized that "no government will deliver good governance if it is not accountable to the people."
Earlier in May, Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka after four months of medical treatment in London. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law — the wife of the acting Chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman, Zubaida Rahman, and the wife of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, Syeda Sharmila Rahman.
As Khaleda Zia made her way to her home in Gulshan from the airport, hundreds of party supporters gathered along the streets to welcome her back, chanting slogans such as "Welcome Khaleda Zia," "Khaleda Zia, fear not, we haven't left the streets", and "Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia." Members of the armed forces, along with various law enforcement agencies, were deployed along the route, and stringent security measures were observed around Khaleda’s residence.