AL wants BNP in election
Says Quader at meeting with UN resident coordinator
The ruling Awami League wants major political parties like BNP to participate in the upcoming national election, to make it more competitive, said AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday.
"The United Nations wants a free, fair and neutral election in Bangladesh. Awami League also wants a competitive election. Because the more competitive the election, the more acceptable it will be at home and abroad," said Quader.
He made the remark following a meeting between a six-member AL delegation and Gwyn Lewis, the United Nations resident coordinator in Bangladesh, which took place at a venue in the capital's Gulshan.
Responding to a question on whether they would force BNP to join the election, Quader said, "Why should we force them to join the election? It is their right, not a chance, as a political party to participate in elections."
Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, said that the UN had no say regarding the opposition's demands for the prime minister's resignation, the dissolution of the parliament, and the caretaker government system.
"They said these are the internal affairs of Bangladesh and that there should be a peaceful election in Bangladesh…," said Quader.
The other members of the delegation include AL presidium member Faruq Khan, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Information and Research Secretary Salim Mahmud, Office Secretary Biplab Barua, and central executive committee member Prof Mohammad A Arafat.