BNP, allies decide on joining polls today

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The BNP-led four-party alliance rejected the government decision to hold the general election on December 18 as "unilateral and partisan" but kept their decision on joining the polls suspended until today (Thursday), reports UNB.
Briefing newsmen after the alliance meeting at BNP's Gulshan office, BNP secretary-general Khandaker Delwar Hossain alleged that despite Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur's assurance that the discussion would continue to bring all parties to elections, the government made the "unilateral" declaration.
It proved that they want to hold elections sans BNP and its alliance in the fray.
"Unilateral declaration without finishing the discussions made it clear to the people what the government wants," he said, adding that the caretaker government has blocked the way for free and neutral elections.