The government should give main opposition BNP another chance for talks on how to create a level-playing field for the next parliamentary election, Suranjit Sengupta, a minister without portfolio, said Monday.
“If the BNP does not participate in next general election (even getting the opportunity of a dialogue), the polls will be held as per constitution,” Sengupta said at a discussion at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in the capital, Bangla daily Prothom Alo reports.
Sengupta, also an Awami League advisory council’s member, made the comments when main opposition BNP which has been demanding caretaker government to oversee the national election have threatened deadlock after October 24 and the ruling AL on the other hand demanded continuation of the parliament session.
“I believe, this time realisation will come to Khaleda Zia,” the veteran Awami League leader said.
As the election process will begin after October 24, BNP deserves an opportunity to sit within the constitutional framework, Sengupta said.
About BNP’s “threat” to halt the next general election, Sengupta said the BNP will not be benefited if the election does not hold on time as Sheikh Hasina and Abdul Hamid will continue as the prime minister and president of the country respectively until the next polls.
Sengupta also urged the prime minister to address the nation to clear the “confusion created” by the main opposition party over constitutional decision over the next general election.
Source: The Daily Star
