Opposition BNP on Wednesday threatened to wage a strong movement demanding the removal of the Election Commissioners (ECs) if the Representation of the People Order, (RPO) is amended to facilitate a particular party. “If the Representation of the People Order, 1972 is amended by the incumbent Election Commission without consultation with the political parties, it won’t be acceptable to us. It’ll create a great crisis centring the election,” said BNP standing committee member MK Anwar. He cautioned the Election Commissioners, saying, “Your existence will be at stake if you try to amend the RPO aiming to rescue a particular party which sank in the deep water.” Anwar issued the threat at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. The BNP leader termed the EC’s move to amend the RPO and election code of conduct is politically motivated and said if the commission tries to go ahead with the plan they will also launch a movement demanding a non-party impartial EC together with their demand for restoration of the non-party neutral caretaker government. Opposing the EC’s proposal for amending the Section 91 (E) of RPO, which gives the EC the power to declare the candidature illegal or invalid, Anwar said, “This section should be there in the RPO. Or else election related offences will mark rise which the commission won’t be able to tackle.” He said the EC will not be able to do anything rather than suggesting the aggrieved candidates to go to the court even after snatching ballot boxes if the section is revoked. Anwar also criticised the commission for its draft proposal to amend the election code of conduct keeping a scope for the Prime Minister, and her chosen 20 ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speakers and Whips to enjoy the privilege of taking part in the electioneering holding their posts. It’s a provision of disorder. I’m not sure whether there’s any country in the world where such a provision is kept.” The senior BNP leader alleged that the amendment proposals have been made at the behest of the government high-ups. He urged the EC to follow the straight path, and talk to people, political parties and members of civil society if there is any need to amend the RPO and the election code of conduct. BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and assistant office secretary Abul Latif Jony were, among others, present. – UNB
