Khaleda will be held liable: Bangladesh PM

Coming down hard at the Opposition-sponsored violence during the countrywide blockade, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia will be held responsible.

"She (Khaleda Zia) will be identified as the principal accused," reported bdnews24.com citing Hasina as telling the Awami League's Parliamentary Board meeting Wednesday.

She said that Khaleda Zia was reluctant to join the polls, which she said will be held "timely", because the High Court had barred Jamaat-e-Islami from taking part in it.

"It is a matter of regret that the Opposition Leader is sacrificing the interest of people for the sake of the war criminals."

Hasina called upon Khaleda Zia to join the polls.

"I would ask her to read the Clause 4 of Article 57 of the Constitution. Does she want another "1/11"? And why?"

Awami League party's Parliamentary Board met Wednesday to discuss nominations for the upcoming polls.

Hasina affirmed that the polls would be held in time and called upon Khaleda Zia to refrain from "the politics of destruction".

"I ask them (BNP) to join the polls. But they are aware that the people will not vote for them. That's why they are reluctant to join the polls," said the Awami League chief.