LDP to skip polls sans caretaker

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has said it would not participate in the next general election without the constitution of a caretaker government.

"LDP won't participate in the parliamentary polls like a sacrificial lamb," LDP chairman Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad said categorically on Friday.

He was addressing a press briefing at the party's newly opened central office in the capital's Moghbazar area.

Dr Oli said his party would continue with the anti-government movement demanding cancellation of the election schedule, ouster of the government and holding polls under a caretaker government.

"We'll continue our movement to realise our demands. We will consider about elections after releasing the detained opponent leaders," he stated.

Dr Oli said the LDP would continue with the movement with the BNP and its like-minded parties.

About a rumour that the LDP would jump ship, he cited, "I won't say those involved with spreading such rumour are the real human beings. They would get punishment from the Almighty."

"I've been doing politics since 1952. I'm now 85. I don't do politics for becoming a member of parliament or a minister," he continued.

"I want to ensure people's voting rights so that the next generation could feel proud of us," maintained the veteran politician.

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