Online Desk: Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the national election will be held as per the election schedule announced by the Election Commission.

“Certainly it will not be deferred. Election will be held timely,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know whether there is any scope of deferring the polls.

He said enthusiasm is seen everywhere after the announcement of polls schedule and the people of the country are waiting for the elections.

Momen said many leaders and supporters of BNP may leave the party and join with other political parties if BNP does not join polls.

He said this will show a history how a political party born inside Cantonment loses its credibility.

The Foreign Minister said BNP is most welcome to join the polls as the EC is not creating any barriers.

“We want to see a free and fair elections. We believe in democracy. There is only way to change the power in a democratic process. That is election,” said the Foreign Minister.

He said BNP is showing many excuses.

Momen said those who will destroy people’s property will be punished. “These are not acceptable. They should seek apology to people.”

Responding to a question, Momen said the US does not have headache about elections in other countries but talking every day about Bangladesh.

He said they should form a political party named “Ambassadors Party” and few people may vote them if they guarantee that they will take those to their countries who will vote in favour of Ambassadors Party.