SIRAJGANJ: Health Minister Mohammad Nasim today reasserted that the January 5 election was held to ensure constitutional continuity and democracy.

"If the election was not held, there would have been unconstitutional developments," he said.

"That's why Sheikh Hasina risking her life organized the election, "he said.

"The violence that BNP and Jamaat committed during the polls reminded us of 1971", the minister added.

He said all countries had accepted the verdict of the January polls and election would be held after five years in 2019. Nasim said that Khaleda was threatening repeatedly but Awami League does not fear such threats. "As long as the people are with us, nobody can deter the government from its path, "he said.

Referring to Tareque Zia, he said "Khaleda's son who was living abroad was lying all the time."

"He (Tareque) even dared to spread calumny against the mountain-like personality of Bangabandhu, "he said.

Nasim asked Tareque to come and face the people here rather than spend time loitering abroad.

He also asked the local administration to be aware of any BNP conspiracy to create violence on January 5, next year.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a district law and order meeting presided by the deputy commissioner.

Others who were present included former fisheries' and livestock minister Abdul Latif Biswas, Gazi M M Amjad Hossain Milon, MP, Sirajganj-3 and other local AL leaders and senior government officers.

BSS/NS