The Election Commission (EC) has sought President Md Abdul Hamid’s help to ensure all political parties take part in the parliament election.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad made the request to Hamid during their Tuesday’s meeting at the Bangabhaban.
“We have informed the President that the Commission wants participation by all parties,” Ahmad told reporters after the meeting.
He said they had requested the President to try to ensure participation by all parties.
The CEC said the meeting was to brief the President about the preparations for the 10th parliamentary election.
Later in the evening, Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia went to the Bangabhaban. The BNP-led 18-Party alliance has been waging agitation demanding polls under a non-party government.
The BNP has so far rejected the government’s call to join the ‘all-party’ interim cabinet to supervise the 10th national election.
“We want to organise a free, fair and peaceful election that will ensure a level playing field,” the CEC told reporters after Tuesday’s two-hour meeting.
He said they had informed the President of their preparations ahead of the parliamentary polls.
Ahmad skirted a direct reply when asked about the time to announce the election schedule. He said the EC would inform everyone at the ‘right time’.
The next national election will be held by Jan 24 next year as per Constitutional mandate.
The CEC had earlier said the polls schedule would be announced keeping ‘enough time’ in hand.
According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister would recommend the President about a possible date for the election.
The Commission will announce schedule and organise polls as per the President’s recommendations.
On Oct 24, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said she would request the President to hold the election at the ‘right time’ after consulting members of the ruling alliance.
Source: Bd news24
