No non-partisan polls time govt

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the next parliamentary election in the country must be held as per the parliamentary democratic system in other countries in the world.
Asserting this at an extended meeting of the ruling Awami League at the Gono Bhaban, the premier ruled out the possibility of restoration of non-partisan polls-time government system as demanded by the BNP-led opposition parties.
And this indicates the present cabinet led by Hasina will remain in office during the next parliamentary election.
In many countries having parliamentary democracy, including the UK and India, the outgoing cabinet stays in office during the general elections. It acts as an interim government and refrains from making any major and policy decisions during that period.
Hasina, also president of the AL, asked the main opposition BNP led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia to stop issuing ultimatums for realising its demands, and to join  parliament session to place its proposals, if any.
“Come to parliament and place whatever proposal you have. Resolve problems through discussion," the premier said. "We want to hold a free, fair and credible election through talks and mutual cooperation.”
She urged the opposition leader to give up what she said was the practice of issuing threats and resorting to destructive activities and killings, and looking for alternative ways to go to state power.
The AL chief said people will choose the next government through a democratic way as is done in all democracies across the world. “There is no problem if they don't vote for us. It's their choice. But we want to ensure the democratic system to continue,” she added.
“But please don't bring (to power) any undemocratic element,” the premier urged her political rival and leader of the opposition in parliament.
In an oblique reference to the caretaker government's rule in 2007-08, Hasina said, “If you (Khaleda) dig a canal and bring in a crocodile, it will definitely bite you.”
The premier blasted a Bangla daily for its recent public opinion polls that said 90 percent people in the country are in favour of a non-partisan election-time government.
"This newspaper wants to mislead the people by giving misleading information," Hasina said without naming it.
She urged people believing in democracy to be cautious about this newspaper.

“Come to parliament and place whatever proposal you have. Resolve problems through discussion," the premier said. "We want to hold a free, fair and credible election through talks and mutual cooperation.”
She urged the opposition leader to give up what she said was the practice of issuing threats and resorting to destructive activities and killings, and looking for alternative ways to go to state power.
The AL chief said people will choose the next government through a democratic way as is done in all democracies across the world. “There is no problem if they don't vote for us. It's their choice. But we want to ensure the democratic system to continue,” she added.
“But please don't bring (to power) any undemocratic element,” the premier urged her political rival and leader of the opposition in parliament.
In an oblique reference to the caretaker government's rule in 2007-08, Hasina said, “If you (Khaleda) dig a canal and bring in a crocodile, it will definitely bite you.”
The premier blasted a Bangla daily for its recent public opinion polls that said 90 percent people in the country are in favour of a non-partisan election-time government.
"This newspaper wants to mislead the people by giving misleading information," Hasina said without naming it.
She urged people believing in democracy to be cautious about this newspaper.