On the opposition claim that the BNP is conspiring to bring in a "third force", the PM said, "We [the BNP] are the largest force--we do not stay behind any 'third force'."

She urged the opposition to participate in the next general elections, which she said will be held in time under the existing caretaker government system. "[The Awami League] got 59 seats in the last elections; now, if they choose to stay away from the election, they will be lost from people's mind," she said.

She was addressing a meeting at the Paltan Maidan on the occasion of the 27th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP.

Khaleda asked JCD leaders and activists to make preparations for the coming elections. "You may have your own liking and disliking, relatives or friends, but you must work for the candidates nominated by the party," she told them.

Naming the JCD as her favourite organisation, the PM asked its leaders and workers to study well as "they are the ones who will have to lead the country in future".

On the development programmes of her government, especially in the education sector, Khaleda said the BNP government is going to establish six new universities very soon and pledged that if re-elected, education up to the degree level will be made free for female students.

She criticised the Awami League for not doing any development work during its tenure and engaging now in conspiracy against the country and democracy.

Earlier, Khaleda inaugurated the JCD's website containing the history and activities of the organisation as well as the profiles of its present and former leaders. One can now also apply online for JCD membership.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan warned the JCD leaders and activists that "conspiracies are on to ruin the elections; the opposition is threatening that they will not let the elections take place".

Presided over by JCD President Azizul Bari, the meeting was also attended by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor SMA Fayez, Pro-VC Yusuf Haider, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman and former JCD leaders.

Health Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, State Minister for Labour Amanullah Aman, BNP's Student Affairs Secretary Fazlul Huq Milon, JCD Vice President Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, General Secretary Safiul Bari Babu, Organising Secretary Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, and other JCD leaders addressed the meeting.