Khaleda Zia
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will now forward the proposals floated by party chairperson Khaleda Zia on Friday for reconstituting the next election commission to the president.
BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this on Monday.
“Since the president is responsible for formation of the election commission as per the constitution, the BNP will submit the proposals floated by Khaleda Zia to him,” he told newsmen during a briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP has already sought appointment to meet the president and raise Khaleda Zia’s proposals, said Mirza Fakhrul.
The party is yet to secure a schedule for meeting the president, but the BNP leader is hopeful of getting opportunity to have a meeting with the head of state.
On Friday, the BNP chairperson, Khaleda Zia, raised a set of proposals for reconstitution of the election commission which is set to expire in February 2017.
She called for a consensus and political dialogue to strengthen the commission and hold a participatory general election. All opposition parties boycotted the parliamentary polls held in 2014.
The ruling Awami League’s general secretary immediately rejected the proposals, terming them hollow.
However, Mirza Fakhrul said, the only way to resolve the current political crisis is to hold a credible general election.
“The president is the guardian of the state and does not belong to any political party. We hope he will take the necessary initiative to hold a dialogue,” he added.
According to the constitution, the president has the authority to constitute the election commission. He may consult with the prime minister on matters of appointment.
However, the late president, Md. Zillur Rahman, formed a search committee before formation of the present election commission.
Source: Prothom Alo