Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the ruling Awami League, today said the next national election is likely to be held in December and they are taking preparations keeping that in mind.

"The next national election is nearing. We are about to complete five years [in power]. Hopefully, as per the Election Commission's hint, the national election of Bangladesh will take place in December," Quader said during the meeting between AL's Dhaka city north and south units and different associate bodies at the AL central office in Gulistan.

"They [BNP] have taken to the streets ... we are holding peace rallies fearing they might carry out terror activities. As long as the BNP holds any movement, we will hold a peace rally," said Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister.

"We are clearly marching towards the elections. Our party is preparing for the election.

"When we hold programmes, some media term those as counter programmes to BNP. We are not holding any counter programmes," he added.

Stating that the AL will continue holding programmes until the next election, he said, "They [BNP] are now walking on a path of conspiracy to oust Sheikh Hasina's government from power. In such a situation, how can we refrain from organising political programmes? We are well aware of how mean they can become if they get an opportunity ... There is nothing they are not capable of if they are given an opportunity."