TIB suggests consensus-based interim govt

At a programme on Friday, the organisation put forth its proposal.

As per the proposal, the poll-time government would be formed through a consensus-based parliamentary committee, and its tenure would be 90 days after it assumes office.

The Berlin-based group suggested the tenure could be extended by 90 more days in case of a natural disaster only after consulting the President.

The organisation spoke about the formula when the top political parties of Bangladesh – the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP – are in a face-off mode over the nature of the election-time government.

Sheikh Hasina-led administration scrapped the caretaker government provision in 2011. Khaleda Zia-led opposition alliance has been waging street protests ever since demanding restoration of the provision as they say an election under a partisan body would not be fair.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said they would send their proposal to all the political parties.The proposal had been floated for everyone’s consideration under the current ‘conflicting political situation’ to ensure a ‘free and fair election participated by all political parties’, he said.

No member of the interim government would be allowed to take part in the 10th parliamentary elections and would not be able to hold any office of profit during the tenure of the new government, the proposal said.

The interim government will also take necessary steps to ensure confidence of all political parties in the Election Commission.

If the proposal was accepted, the TIB said, necessary amendments could be brought to the Constitution to use this form of government for future national elections.

A referendum could be held in this regard, they said.

“From a responsible position, [we] believe it is necessary to create dialogue opportunities to make the [election] process democratic,” Iftekharuzzaman said.

Source: Bd news24