Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged the BNP-led opposition splashed cold water on initiatives for a dialogue on the nature of election-time administration.She said the opposition’s move to withdraw their adjournment motion for revival of the caretaker government system made it clear they were not willing to discuss it.
“They (the opposition) have proven by withdrawing the motion that they don’t want negotiations though we want it,” Hasina said on Saturday.
On the first day of the Parliament’s 18th session, a motion was filed by a BNP lawmaker seeking to reinstate the caretaker provision but it was later withdrawn.
Filed under Section 62 of the Rules of Procedures of Parliament, it said the caretaker government system should be restored for the sake of a “free and fair” election.
“They submitted the motion thinking we won’t agree for talks and withdrew it after we decided to hold talks,” Hasina said during an interactive session with Awami League activists.
She said the forthcoming election would be held like in other democratic nations with an Election Commission in charge .
She noted the democratic process in Bangladesh has been obstructed many times, perhaps hinting at the last caretaker administration that stayed on in office for more than two years.
“This time, power will be transferred in a democratic way as per the Constitution. This is the right occassion to start this practice.”
After the 15th Constitutional Amendment, the 10th national election will be held under the current government.
The 18-Party alliance, which the BNP heads, has been on the streets claiming polls without a neutral caretaker will not be ‘free and fair’.
(Source: bdnews24.com)
