Polls-Time Govt: BNP to ask PM to hold dialogue

The BNP is going to submit a proposal for election-time government to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina soon urging her to take initiatives to hold a dialogue to that end.

Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this while briefing journalists at BNP's Naya Paltan headquarters following a joint meeting of the party.

The BNP senior leader said they would not urge President Abdul Hamid this time to take steps to hold talks on the election-time supportive government for what Fakhrul said was the president's “mistake” over constituting the new Election Commission. 

“People are now talking about an election-time government as they strongly believe a free, fair and inclusive parliamentary election will not be possible unless a non-party election-time administration is in place,” Fakhrul observed.

“People think an election-time supportive government is a must for a fair and impartial election.”

He added, “We will definitely place a proposal for election-time supportive government urging the premier to take measures to sit with the political parties.”

He went on: “We will send our proposal to the honourable prime minister with a request to accept it. Otherwise, she will have to take all responsibilities for any unexpected situation.”

In reply to a question, Fakhrul said they were not thinking about going to President Abdul Hamid with any proposal.

“There is no meaning to go to the president as he has already committed mistakes in forming the Election Commission. What will be the use of going to the president?” he asked.

Criticising new Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Fakhrul said he is not a capable person for the post. “He is not that much qualified to be the chief election commissioner.”

Asked, Fakhrul said BNP would decide later whether the party would join the next general elections under the new EC. He however said BNP would take part in local polls.