Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Saturday once again said the next general election will be a participatory one.

‘And, the election will be held in December 2018,’ the veteran Awami League leader said while distributing certificates among the beneficiaries of the 5th National Service Programme at Sadar upazila parishad in Bhola.

About the remarks of BNP leaders that the popularity of their chairperson Khaleda Zia will continue to increase as long as she is in jail, Tofail said, ‘If such is the case, you (BNP leaders) should keep Khaleda in jail and join the election to ensure your victory.’

He, however, said they believe in justice and it will take its own course, reports the UNB.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mridha Md Mujahidul Islam presided over the programme while Deputy Commissioner of the district Md Selim Uddin and Sadar upazila parishad Chairman Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain were present, among others.

The minister also said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the National Service Programme to resolve the unemployment problem. ‘She has dedicated her for the development of the country. But, BNP men tried to kill us along with Sheikh Hasina through the grenade attack on August 15, 2004.’

At the programme, Tofail also distributed laptops among the heads of 177 government primary schools.

He also inaugurated the Jataka Conservation Week.