BNP expects PM's initiative for talks
In reaction to Hasina's address
BNP hoped that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would arrange talks with different political parties to hold the next general election in a credible and inclusive manner.
The party also expected that she would show the nation a new ray of hope by determining the direction of politics and next election through discussions with opposition parties.
“We want to participate in the next general election as we believe in representative government through a free, fair and impartial election,” said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party's secretary general.
He made the remarks during a press conference at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office in reaction to the premier's address to the nation.
In her speech, Hasina said all the political parties would participate in the election.
Fakhrul said that to ensure the all parties' participation, the next election must be conducted by impartial, brave and competent election commissioners under a neutral administration, which would be formed to assist the Election Commission.
“A level-playing field must be ensured by stopping the ongoing process of eliminating opposition parties.”
He said elimination of opposition must be stopped; all the detained political leaders should be freed, false cases withdrawn, and equal opportunity ensured for assemblies.
The government has to ensure press freedom and create a real democratic atmosphere, he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the government did not take effective steps to forge national consensus to fight against militancy; rather it was blaming the opposition party.
Portraying a gloomy picture of the country's economy, Fakhrul said the government was misleading the people in the name of development.
The prime minister has tried to confuse people by giving false information about her government's development activities in her speech, he said. “Her claim regarding development is nothing but empty rhetoric.”
The BNP leader also called upon the premier to shun the devastating path of one-party rule realising the people's demands and expectations. “Otherwise, she would be held accountable.”