4-party walks on tight polls rope
A whole new polarisation may arise centring the race for the December 18 parliamentary election if BNP keeps away from participating in it since some of its leaders and key ally Jamaat-e-Islami desperately want to contest the poll.
Political leaders concerned said the four-party alliance may split over differences regarding boycotting the election held on schedule. Jamaat and Jatiya Party may take part in the election separately in that case.
A few BNP leaders known as reformists said they would take part in the election if it is held as per the announced schedule and if the party does not decide on their return to the party fold soon.
Jamaat insiders said the party is very much interested and ready to take part in the upcoming parliamentary election whenever it is held but the BNP leadership is trying to convince Jamaat leaders against participating in the December 18 polls.
Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, however, recently said in a statement that the alliance would decide on the issue.
BNP insiders said the party had decided in principle not to take part in the December 18 election unless its detained and convicted leaders are allowed to contest the poll.
Both BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain asked the government to release all their leaders and allow them to take part in the election.
"Many of our popular leaders were convicted by the lower court. So, we think they should be allowed in the poll until the highest court approves their conviction," a BNP leader told The Daily Star.
The BNP, which is not ready for the upcoming parliamentary election because of internal conflicts and organisational disputes, recently suggested that the government defer the election because the hajj pilgrims would miss it.
Sources said a negotiation process is going on among the authorities concerned, a group of BNP leaders, a group of "reformists" and the leaders of a BNP ally to make the December 18 election a success.
Meanwhile, many political leaders said they are confused by the recent activities of a few foreign diplomats who they think may play a vital role in delaying the election.
Most diplomats held meetings with the Awami League and BNP chiefs in the last two weeks. Some of them even openly supported holding of the election under the state of emergency, which all political parties have been demanding to be lifted without further delay.
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