BNP pushes for non-partisan president as polls ahead

“The post of the president is very important. So, we want to see such a president who will be neutral and acceptable to all because the next parliamentary polls will be held under the president (to be elected),” he said.

Addressing a protest meeting at BNP’s Naypaltan headquarters in the capital, the BNP stalwart also said, “We (BNP) hope the government will show wisdom in choosing the president. If they fail to do so, the opposition will have no way but to continue the movement to force the government to realise its demand for restoration of the caretaker government.”

Dhaka district unit of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal (JMD) organised the meeting demanding the release of BNP leaders and activists arrested during the police raid on the party’s central office on March 11.

Since the ruling Awami League holds two-thirds majority in parliament, their nominee will be elected as the country’s 20th president.

Moudud Ahmed, also a former Law Minister, urged the government to take initiatives to resolve the present political standoff, saying, “The BNP led by Khaleda Zia has set a big instance of goodwill by paying tributes to late President Zillur Rahman. In response to our goodwill, we expect the government to come forward so that there remains no possibility of confrontation in the country.”

Reiterating his party demand for restoration of the caretaker government, the BNP policymaker asked the government to refrain from holding the next general election under a party government.

He slated the government for what he said carrying out repressive acts against the opposition leaders and activists, and alleged that the judiciary cannot work independently during the present Awami League-led government.

JMD central committee general secretary Shirin Sultana, among others, spoke at the programme held with its Dhaka district unit president Sabina Yasmin in the chair.

Source: UNBConnect