President Abdul Hamid on Sunday said discussions with political parties will play an important role in forming a strong Election Commission (EC).”Election is very important in a democratic process. And the Election Commission plays the main role in conducting elections. Today’s discussion is very important for democracy. I think today’s discussion and your (BNP) well-thought out opinions will play an important role in forming a strong Election Commission,” he said.Abdul Hamid made the remarks during a discussion with an 11-member BNP delegation, led by its chairperson Khaleda Zia, at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.
Through the dialogue with the BNP delegation, the President initiated discussions with registered political parties over the formation of a new EC.Abdul Hamid took the dialogue initiative as the tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led EC expires in February next.President Hamid said discussions and views-exchange open up multiple paths for solution to any problems. “I believe your (BNP) proposals will play positive role in forming the next Election Commission.”President’s press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.During the hour-long meeting, Abdul Hamid sought cooperation from all political parties, including BNP, to form a strong EC.At the meeting, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia presented BNP’s proposal for the formation of a search committee and the EC.She also highlighted party’s proposal to strengthen the Election Commission and amendment to Representation of People Order (RPO).The former Prime Minister thanked the President to invite BNP in the discussion and wished success of the President’s initiative to form the EC.Khaleda Zia said her party would extend all-out cooperation to the President in forming the new EC.The other members of delegation are Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mahbubur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam Miah, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.Secretaries concerned to the President Office were present.
source:UNB
