Joint general secretary of ruling Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif on Saturday urged the opposition to join parliament if they want any solution to the ongoing political crisis. Hanif made the call as he addressed a rally of Krishak League at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital following Khaleda’s remark that BNP is always ready to sit in dialogue with the government. In a meeting with a delegation of British parliamentarians comprising six members, including Rushanara Ali, on Friday, the former premier said her party is always ready to sit in negotiation with the government to find out a solution to the ongoing political crisis over the election-time government. Pointing at the leader of opposition, “Hanif said the Prime Minister urged you to sit in dialogue on several occasions. But you didn’t care about it. Parliament is now in session. Place your proposal there. We hope a solution to the problem will come out.” Over BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s remark that BNP will not join any election under the provision of the exiting constitution, the AL leader said there is no scope to go beyond the Constitution for the continuation of democratic process. “The national election will be held by January 24 with the participation of all political parties, including your (Fakhrul) party,” Hanif, also special assistant to the Prime Minister, said. Citing that the opposition carried out false propaganda against the premier’s visit to the USA, the ruling party leader said she (Hasina) had initially decided not to join the UN General Assembly as she is busy with the selection of party aspirants for the next parliamentary election. Later, the premier changed her mind and decided to join the UNGA this month. Referring to the recent city polls, he said BNP won the elections through religious propaganda. “But, the national election is quite different than city polls. People will vote AL to power and they won’t make mistake in taking their decisions. We have the confidence in people’s mandate. We’ll accept whatever mandate they give,” he said. Arranging free, fair and neutral election is possible under the incumbent Election Commission, Hanif said. Chaired by President of Krishak League Motahar Hossain Molla, the rally was addressed, among others, by Krishak League general secretary Shamsul Haque Reza, vice presidents Khan Altaf Hossain and Omar Faruk. – UNB
