No scope for fresh dialogue with BNP, says CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said there is no scope for fresh dialogue with BNP or any other political party regarding the next parliamentary elections.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after exchanging views with government officials at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Patuakhali this noon, reports our local correspondent.

He also said BNP was requested several times to participate in dialogues ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections but the party rejected their requests. "They are adamant in their demand for a non-partisan government and reformation of the election commission," he added.

By-elections to the parliamentary seats that fell vacant after resignation of BNP MPs will be held through EVM, but the commission does not have the financial support to install CCTV in those seats, the CEC added.

The Election Commission (EC) currently has the capacity to conduct elections with EVM machines in 50 to 60 seats.

The commission has requested the government to allocate money to purchase more EVM machines. 

Election Commission Secretary Md Jahangir Alam, Patuakhali Superintendent of Police Saidul Islam, Barishal Regional Election Officer Alamgir Hossain and other government officials were present as special guests in the meeting.