BANGLADESH

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said Khaleda Zia is only trying to bide time by binding a timeframe to overthrow the government.

Responding to the BNP chairperson's recent remarks, Hasina on Saturday said, "She changed the deadline to September next year. She had fixed before the deadline until June this year."

"She added 15 months to unseat the government. Thanks for that," she said at a news conference at her official residence Ganabhaban on the outcome of her recent US visit at her official residence Ganabhaban on Saturday.

At a four-party coalition rally on Tuesday, the opposition chief threatened that the government would be pushed from office before the next September. "Then we will prepare for a final match."

Explaining the 'match', BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that by the 'match', Khaleda meant the next general election. "But, BNP won't play the match if the government plays the 'referee'."

About the 'final match', the ruling Awami League president said, "There are quarter-finals and semi-finals before the final. What stage she is at now?"

"Anybody may play as much as they want... Players will continue playing. Those who work will continue working," she added.

Awami League presidium member Obaidul Quader on Friday said, "If the Sept 27 rally was the first round, then BNP is 'daydreaming' to play the final without playing in the second round, quarter-finals or semi-finals."