Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday made it clear that the next general elections will be held in time and under the caretaker administration as per the constitutional provision.

She pointed out that a number of general elections had been successfully held under caretaker government.

Khaleda said the main opposition is not ready now to participate in the polls under the caretaker government apprehending that it will not be able to win the race. That is why, she said, the main opposition is trying to foil the elections.

Addressing a public meeting at Charfashion TB Secondary School ground, Khaleda said the opposition has been looking for a pretext to keep away from the next elections.

She said the opposition was despaired of its prospects in the next general elections seeing that the people are reaping the benefits of the massive development activities and the booming national economy under the rule of the BNP-led alliance government.

Khaleda urged the main opposition to participate in the next FROM PAGE 1

national election instead of boycotting it if it has any confidence and faith in the people. She said the opposition will be isolated further from the people if it stays away from the polls.

The prime minister said Awami League also came to power in the 1996 polls held under the caretaker government.

Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Religious Affairs Mosharef Hossain Shahjahan, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury, Mayor of Barisal City Corporation Mujibur Rahman Sarwar MP, Nazimuddin Alam MP, Hafiz Ibrahim MP and Chairman of Charfashion Pourasava ANM Aminul Islam also spoke at the meeting.