Dhaka – BNP on Sunday urged the government to engage in talks with opposition parties over the formation of new Election Commission (EC) taking their chairperson’s 13-point proposal positively.
“People want to get rid of repressive acts, unjust and the politics of killing. They want to see a real democratic environment here. We call upon the government to hold discussions considering our leader’s proposals positive,” said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. UNB news agency reported
Speaking at a discussion, he further said, “Khaleda Zia didn’t say her proposals are final ones. There can be differences of opinion over some issues of her proposals, but there can be discussions on those, too. Talk to opposition parties and resolve the country’s problem.”
BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman’s 52nd birthday.
Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia as a national leader has given two proposals at his critical time of the country. “She called for a national unity after Gulshan café attack, but the ruling party ignored it. Now she’s offered proposals for forming a stronger Election Commission for a fair election, they’re also turning it down,” he said.
On Friday, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at a city hotel presented the 13-point proposal for the formation of a new stronger Election Commission (EC) to hold credible elections saying that the next Commission must be constituted based on the consensus of all political parties.
Giving their party’s instant reaction, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said, “The so-called reform formulas placed by Begum Zia for the Election Commission are nothing but hollow and a mockery with the nation.”
Fakhrul said the ruling party is not considering BNP’s proposals as it knows it very well that it will not be able to return to power if a stronger EC is formed and a fair election is held.
He said BNP will arrange discussions on their chairperson’s proposals on EC. “Please come forward those who want to give opinions on it.”
The BNP leader said some newspapers that played an active role in brining 1/11 illegal regime in power are criticising Khaleda’s proposals in line with the ruling party.
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain called upon the ruling party to make it clear which part of Khaleda’s proposals they are opposing.
Or else, he said, the government should say without any hesitation that it does not want a fair election and stronger and neutral EC.
Mosharraf also urged BNP leaders and activists to work sincerely for creating a proper environment for the safe homecoming of Tarique.
Another BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed said there is no politics now in the country as the government obliterated democracy.
“BNP leaders and activists are not joining any other party, despite immense repression and torture on them. “This is the main success of BNP and Khaleda Zia.”
