He reaffirmed the AL firmly believes in democracy and in change of power only through democratic means.

"Awami League has always been fighting for democracy and its chief has consistently been upholding the cause of democracy," Jalil told The Daily Star.

"Is Khaleda Zia a democracy lover and was she ever?" he asked.

Jalil went on, "Khaleda's husband (late president) Ziaur Rahman had come to power through undemocratic means, using the barrel of gun. Zia destroyed democracy by imposing military rule and suspending the operation of constitution."

The AL leader alleged Khaleda nurtured anti-democratic elements in her party BNP. She also sheltered those who were involved in military rule at different times, and her politics revolves round them, he alleged.