The Chief Election Commissioner has hinted at a change in the election schedule only if the government and Opposition were to reach an agreement.
Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad urged the two major political parties of Bangladesh, who are still at loggerheads over the polls-time dispensation, to compromise in public interest.
His launched the appeal speaking to reporters around 9:30pm on Monday on his way out of office in Dhaka.
Filing of nomination papers for the general elections ended in the afternoon while several election offices were attacked during the Opposition’s nationwide blockade.
No-one from the BNP and its allies in the Opposition submitted nomination to run for Parliament.
As the deadline to submit nominations ended on Monday according to the election roadmap, no-one else will be able to contest parliamentary polls.
“But we are still hopeful [of the Opposition joining polls]. Everything is possible if there is a positive and definite outcome and an agreement is reached,” Ahmad said.
He was asked whether there was any chance of the schedule being altered as the BNP-led coalition stayed off the nomination formalities.
Barely an hour earlier, Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia had urged the government to come to an agreement. She said the door to reconciliation with the government to end the political deadlock was still open.
The BNP Chairperson in a statement also urged the EC to suspend the election schedule according to which the polls will take place on Jan 5.
The CEC had a meeting with other election commissioners before he left the office around 9:30pm. He also met UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Neil Walker earlier in the day.
The people only wanted a peaceful election, Ahmad said. “I’m still urging both parties to come forward. Find a solution to the crisis through dialogue. Give people a chance to choose their representatives.”
The Opposition is enforcing shutdowns and blockades to push for a non-party polls-time government, while the Awami League-led government is preparing to hold the election after constituting an ‘all-party’ interim cabinet.
Ahmad urged both Awami League-led Grand Alliance and BNP-led 18-Party alliance to compromise. “Both parties must come forth. To reach an agreement, compromises must be made.”
“If no one comes forward, there will be no settlement. This is not the sign of any agreement.”
Asked how by many days voting would be deferred if both parties were to reach the agreement, the CEC said, “We will see about that after they reach an agreement. We will take all out measures.”
When asked whether it would be possible to hold the election by Jan 24 constitutional deadline, he said, “Everything is possible if there is an agreement. Let’s see what happens.”
Source: Bd news24
