Addressing a public meeting at Mirzapur SK Pilot High School ground yesterday, she said the Election Commission (EC) is preparing to hold the elections and the BNP is mentally prepared to contest the polls.

'But the opposition doesn't like the existing system of caretaker government," she said, adding that it doesn't want to accept the provision of caretaker government enshrined in the constitution.

"It has been written in the constitution who will be the chief advisor, but they do not accept it. They do not like to abide by the constitution, rather they are threatening to foil the election."

Ridiculing the opposition, she said they want to have their chosen election commissioners and chief advisor of caretaker government who will get them elected.

Khaleda , also the chairperson of the ruling BNP, once again said as per constitutional provision, they will hand over power to the caretaker government which will conduct the elections.

Referring to Awami League's win in the 1996 elections under the existing caretaker system, she said after assuming power, they resorted to terrorism.

"If they (AL) return to power, the reign of terror will stage a comeback," she told the rally.

Khaleda said people are united for the cause of development, production and peace, which have been ensured by the BNP-led alliance government. This trend will continue if the alliance returns to power.

Citing Sunday's mass procession in Dhaka, the prime minister said the people's spontaneous participation in the procession reflected the silent public support for the BNP in the elections.

She urged people to vote for the BNP-led coalition to maintain the ongoing trend of development and production.

The prime minister made a fresh pledge that if voted to power for the next term, her party would elevate Bangladesh to a prosperous nation.

Chaired by Mirzapur BNP President Abul Kalam Azad, the meeting was also addressed, among others, by Jute and Textiles Minister Shajahan Siraj, Telecommunications Minister Aminul Huq, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury and State Minister for LGRD Ziaul Huq Zia.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated 1000-line digital telephone exchange at Mirzapur.