Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia cannot participate in the upcoming general election in the current condition.
"Khaleda is now considered as an accused as she's yet to file an appeal to the High Court. So, she can't take part in the polls now. We'll take the decision after the court directive," said CEC AKM Nurul Huda.
He said while talking to reporters after meeting Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain at the Supreme Court, as per agency reports.
Huda also said "If Khaleda Zia lodges an appeal to the Supreme Court against the lower court verdict and the court permits her to contest the election, then she will be able to take part in the polls".
The CEC also expressed his optimism that the BNP chief could contest the polls after resolving legal matters.
Replying to queries from reporters about his meeting with the Chief Justice, Nurul Huda said, "It was a courtesy call on, no major issue came up for discussion at the meeting."