Claiming that there is still a plenty of time for holding the election with the participation of all, opposition BNP Sunday urged the government to take an initiative for reaching a compromise in the greater interest of the country and its democracy.
“There’s still enough time for holding the 10th parliamentary election. We think still it’s possible to reach an understanding if the government comes up with a good gesture,” said BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.
Addressing a press briefing at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on the 18-party’s second day of the 83-hour blockade, he said it will also be possible to amend the constitution, if necessary, for holding the general election with the participation of all through an understanding.
“We ask the government that take an initiative for holding the 10th parliamentary elections with the participation of all through talks and a compromise for the sake of the country, its people and democracy, and returning the voting rights of majority people,” he added.
The BNP leader also called upon the government to act as the government of the country not as partisan one in line with the oath it has taken to perform the duties of the constitution and people.
Or else, he warned, the government will not be able to dissociate people from the ongoing movement by spreading false propaganda and resorting to repressive acts.
Making their position about the 10th polls clear, Nazrul said, “We want a free, fair credible and neutral election with the all parties joining it. The government has completed the first part of the drama by making 154 candidates elected unchallenged after stanching people’s voting rights. It’s going to arrange a friendly match or fixed match on January 5 in the name of an election race. The country’s people are far away from this drama and game.”
Nazrul criticised the ministers and ruling party leaders for what he said confusing people by speaking that the next election must be held within January next year as per the constitution. “It’s not right.”
In support of his contention, the BNP spokesman said, “As per the current constitution, there’re provisions for holding the election 90 days before or after the dissolution of parliament. So, the election can be held with the participation of all if there is any compromise.”
Reacting to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s comment that the opposition leader is now scratching her forehead in frustration for not participating in the election, the BNP policymaker said Sheikh Hasina’s observation is not correct as BNP has long been saying that it would not join any polls under a partisan administration.
Speaking at a discussion organised by Awami League at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution on Saturday, the premier said the opposition leader is now scratching her forehead in frustration for not participating in the election. “She’s (Khaleda) now thinking how to join the election. But I’ve made my opinion public.”
In a counter-attack, Nazrul said the government is supposed to scratch its own forehead amid the widespread criticism both at home and abroad over the voter-less unilateral election.
About the opposition’s blockade programme, the BNP policymaker claimed that the country’s people with their spontaneous response are making their programme a success defying repression and obstacles by the law enforcers and ruling party men.
He claimed that over 423 opposition leaders and activists were injured across the country by the law enforcers and ruling party ‘cadres’ during the second day of the 83-hour blockade.
Besides, he said, police arrested 337 opposition leaders and activists, and filed cases against over 2,600 others.
Asked whether the opposition will relax its blockade programme for the Hefajat-e-Islam’s scheduled rally in the city on Tuesday, Nazrul said: “Hefajat is not any political party, but an organisation. We didn’t take any decision about relaxing the blockade.”
Source: UNBConnect
