Khaleda: March of democracy facing hurdle in Bangladesh

DHAKA: Former PM Khaleda Zia on Thursday said the uninterrupted march of democracy in Bangladesh is being obstructed gradually, a day after her party BNP held a massive rally to protest the "delay" in holding national polls by the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus .

During a virtual address, Zia said, "Very soon, we will see Bangladesh reestablished as democracy. This should be our pledge on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zia (BNP founder Ziaur Rahman)."

"I call upon all BNP functionaries and others to move forward in a disciplined manner."

BNP and other political parties have demanded that the election, pending since the Sheikh Hasina-led government's ouster last year - be held by Dec. However, Yunus has stuck to his Dec 2025-June 2026 timeframe for the polls. In Tokyo, Yunus said government is working hard to prepare for a "free, fair, credible" election aiming at "smooth transition" to democracy.