Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said that the next general election would be held under the Election Commission, not under the Awami League-led government.

As per the constitutional provision, the EC will oversee the polls while the government will extend all-out support to the EC for a free, fair and credible election, he said.

Quader said that it is typical of BNP to make such a comment on participating in the polls. But, he said, election will not wait for anyone like time and tide.

“Such a statement from a political party over a settled issue is nothing but suicidal,” he said.

The minister claimed that BNP intends to go to power in an undemocratic way.

“BNP is dreaming of staging another 1/11 changeover, but it would never take place.”

Blasting the BNP for spreading rumour and propaganda, the AL leader said the birth of this political party is known to all.

Terming the BNP an isolated party, Quader said not Awami League, but BNP is on the brink of bankruptcy as the party is in fear of election.

“Their existence has now been limited to Facebook and online,” he said.

Regarding the selection of candidates for the local government elections, he said directives have been given to the grassroots level for sending particulars of the party’s tested leaders to the centre.

But appeal could be filed as per the party manifesto if there is any allegation against any candidate, said Quader.