Dhaka-Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) President Prof Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury yesterday said a neutral election time is more essential than a neutral Election Commission to hold free, fair and acceptable elections.“There may be many acceptable people in the country to form the Election Commission but holding a free and fair election will no be possible whatever neutral EC becomes if the election is not held under a neutral government,” he said while speaking a discussion meeting at Jatiya Press Club.
The former President said the previous elections held under the neutral government were acceptable except some minor faults. “Thus, an impartial government is needed first to hold the election in a free and fair manner,” he said.
He said the President could not take any step without the directive of the Prime Minister and it would not be worthwhile taking or not talking with the President.
Adarsha Nagorik Andolon, a pro-BNP think-tank, organized the meeting on Citizens thought in formation an independent and neutral EC. Hasan Mahmud, founder president of the organization, presided over the meeting.
Prof Chowdhury’s comments came a week after BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia placed her party’s 13-point proposal to reconstitute the EC based on tenure of which would expire in February next year.
He said the BDB has formed a committee to prepare a proposal on formation of election-time government based on the Prime Minister’s offer she made prior to January 5, 2014 elections.
The BDB chief called upon the government set up refugee camps in bordering areas to assist Rohingya people on humanitarian ground.
Apparently indicating BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said none would take her to power if she sit idle in her home but she has to take to the street to go to power.
Former lawmaker Golam Maula Rony, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
