Calls for acceptable polls-time govt
Eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday urged the president to take an immediate step to amend the constitution and form an acceptable polls-time government for holding the next parliamentary polls in a free and fair manner.
He suggested that the president also form an election commission to hold the polls by avoiding violence, adding that he can solicit people’s consent to do that.
He made the remarks while exchanging views with the leaders and workers of Oikyaboddho Chhatra Samaj, a newly formed student body, at his Baily Road residence in the afternoon.
If the political parties agree, he noted, it is a matter of two minutes to decide about the amendment for holding the election in 90 days after forming the polls-time government.
President Abdul Hamid, a veteran politician who was a competent Speaker in parliament, can play an important role in having the parties reach a consensus in this regard, he said, adding that there is still time to do this.
Dr Kamal, president of Gono Forum, said the administration will have no neutrality if a partisan government remains in power during the election.
The present Election Commission waits for the government’s instructions to take any decision.
In its verdict on the case regarding the 13th amendment to the constitution, the Supreme Court has allowed general elections under a caretaker government for the next two terms although it declared the system unconstitutional, said the jurist.
He also mentioned that he, along with civil society members and ordinary citizens, will organise a convention in a month on the demand for a credible election, one that would pick honest and dedicated candidates.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convener of Nagorik Oikko, spoke among others on the occasion yesterday.
Source: The Daily Star
