AL to stay in power for 5 yrs: Ashraf

Ruling out the demand of some political parties, including BNP, for immediate holding of the next polls, Awami League (AL) General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam Wednesday categorically said the present government will stay in power until January 28 of 2019, reports BSS.

"It is my firm belief that the present government would remain in power for five years and the next polls will be held within 90 days as per the Constitution before January 28 of 2019," he said. This while delivering his introductory speech at a meeting of the AL Central Working Committee (ALCWC) at Ganobhaban, the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting.

Syed Ashraf, who is also the LGRD Minister said, said the present AL government has two-thirds majority in parliament. If AL wishes it can change the constitution, but the party has no intention to do it, he said.

The AL general secretary said whatever pressure is mounted on the government the next election will be held as per the constitution. "The next polls in Bangladesh will be held in the way the elections are staged in other countries of the world," he said.