BDB also proposes interim-cabinet formula

It wants formation of Nat’l Citizens Council

 

President of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury on Wednesday placed an alternative proposal for the formation of a polls-time government to oversee the next general election.

 

He proposed that the parties outside the 14-party grand alliance and 18-party alliance could make recommendations for picking advisers for the election-time cabinet if 10 advisers are not found from the 1996 and 2001 caretaker governments.

 

“The parties outside the two alliances – Jatiya Party, Gonoforum, Krishak Sramik Janata League, JSD, BSD, CPB, Islami Andolon, Nagorik Oikya and BDB will fill up the empty posts of the advisers through a consensus considering the national interest,” B Chowdhury told a crowded press conference at Sonargaon Hotel.

 

The former president in his proposal also said the 10 advisers will choose a revered person as Chief Adviser if the two top leaders fail to reach a consensus on the issue.

 

For bringing a permanent solution, B Chowdhury also proposed formation of a National Citizens Council with the representation of all, including professional bodies, for a specific period.

 

“The Council will perform as an interim government for overseeing future elections. It’ll also oversee activities National Human Rights Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission,” he added.

 

B Chowdhury also said the structure of the Council and its power can be finalised through discussions among all political parties.

 

The BDB President said they, in principle, support BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s polls-time government formula.

 

“We’ve got two proposals from two top parties and the door for dialogue has been opened with the proposals,” he added.

 

B Chowdhury, however, identified three weak points of Khaleda’s proposal saying what will happen if 10 advisers are not found from the two caretaker governments, what will be the next steps if two top leaders fail to reach a consensus over Chief Adviser, and what will be a permanent solution to polls-time government.

 

Though Gonoforum President Kamal Hossain, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmududr Rahman Manna and ASM Abdur Rob were supposed to be present at the press conference they ultimately did not show up.

 

Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, BDB secretary general Maj (retd) Abdul Mannan and Mahi B Chowdhury were present.

 

Abdul Mannan said he talked to Dr Kamal Hossain over phone and he could not join the press conference as he is now in Greece. “Dr Kamal extended his support for our initiatives.”

 

Earlier, B Chowdhury said they would sit together again once Dr Kamal Hossain is back home.

 

He also said they want election, and the election should be participated by all political parties.

 

Kader Siddiqui said the government has failed to run the State, and the opposition also failed to perform its duty for the welfare of people.

 

He criticised the Prime Minister for imposing a ban on rallies and meetings when the scope has been created for discussions.

Source: UNB Connect