Industries Minister Tofail Ahmed on Tuesday said the US wants the upcoming general election to be held with the participation of all political parties.
The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Ambassador Dan W Mozena at the Secretariat.
He also said the US also voiced concern over the ongoing political violence across the country.
In response to a question from reporters, Tofail said the 10th parliamentary polls would not be one-sided one as some 1100 aspirants have submitted their nomination papers for taking part in the January 5 election.
“Why will the election be unilateral? Some 1100 (aspirants) have submitted nomination papers to contest the (10th parliamentary) election,” he said.
Asked whether the election would be acceptable unless the main opposition party takes part in it, Tofail, also Housing and Public Works Minister, said the election will be acceptable if the majority voters participate in it.
Mentioning that there is no alternative to election, the Awami League leader said they want the main opposition BNP to join the election.
Sought comments on Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad’s announcement of boycotting the election, the veteran Awami League leader said he came to know talking to a number of the party (JP) leaders that most of the party leaders are not aware of Ershad’s decision.
Making a U-turn again, Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad on Tuesday announced that his party will boycott the 10th parliamentary polls slated for January 5 next.
Meanwhile, replying to a query from the reporters at the secretariat, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said the country’s situation does not reach such a level for which emergency will have to declare.
He stressed that the political crisis should be resolved politically.
Source: UNB Connect
