Minister without portfolio Suranjit Sengupta told main opposition party BNP to place their proposals in Parliament, giving the assurance that the Awami League would not exercise its majority power in the house.
The minister’s remarks were apparently prompted by BNP leader Moudud Ahmed’s fears that the placing of their caretaker bill would be pointless in view of the Awami League’s three-fourth majority.
“If the BNP comes with a proposal in Parliament, it will not be placed for voting,” Sengupta said in a meeting on Friday. “Majorities and minorities will not be considered in this case.”
“The BNP’s apprehensions are without reason. A bill does not go to voting always. They can come to Parliament with their proposal,” the minister said.
The caretaker provision was scrapped following the 15th amendment to the constitution made by the present regime, pushing for the holding of national elections under the ruling government.
BNP expressed doubts about the possibility of free and fair elections under a partisan government and have been agitating for the restoration of the caretaker provision.
The government have rejected the caretaker demand but urged the opposition BNP to place in Parliament proposals for a poll-time interim government.
Awami League advisory panel member Suranjit Sengupta said he thought that Moudud’s comments were not BNP’s.
“A section in the BNP is confusing her (Khaleda Zia). Will tell the BNP Chairperson do not listen to them,” Suranjit said.
Meanwhile, he welcomed BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s stand regarding a dialogue.
“Moudud’s comments are not of the BNP, but if what Mirza Fakhrul said are the intentions of the party, then I will welcome it. Come to the House, talk.”
On Thursday, Fakhrul said BNP was hopeful about talks, but on Friday he went on to add that they would only discuss the caretaker issue.
“BNP leaders are saying different things. Which is true?” Suranjit wondered.
The Awami League leader asserted that the solution to the present political deadlock must be sought within constitutional limits.
Source: Bd news24