BNP wants int'l monitors for election
The BNP yesterday urged the diplomats stationed in Dhaka to ensure that a large number of foreign observers are sent to monitor the upcoming parliamentary polls.
“We hope that you would kindly facilitate steps to ensure a free and fair election. At the same time, we also request you to send as many poll observers and monitors as possible at the earliest practicable time,” BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said while reading out a written statement before the diplomats.
A BNP delegation, led by Moyeen, met 20 diplomats and representatives from various missions, including those from the USA, and India, at the party chairperson's Gulshan office.
The party may send letters to all embassies in Dhaka to send observers, said several meeting participants, adding that it thinks presence of a large number of international observers will create pressure on the government to ensure a free and fair election.
“Unfortunately, the political and human rights situation is deteriorating fast and it has reached a level which is unacceptable to any citizen anywhere,” a source quoted the BNP team as telling the diplomats.
Regarding Jatiya Oikyafront's dialogue with the Awami League led alliance, the BNP said it made its best efforts but the ruling party hardly “showed any accommodation not even the ones which could have very easily been accommodated within the framework of the constitution”.
“The National [Jatiya] Oikyafront and the 20-party alliance, in spite of the ongoing persecution and repressive measures, decided to participate in the elections given the realities on the ground and on the conviction that all parochial interests must be sacrificed for the sake of the greater interest of the nation, following the guidance of our leaders, and pursuing a united stand on restoration of democracy,” the statement said.
Diplomats welcomed the BNP's decision to join the polls and hoped that the next election would be free, fair and inclusive.
The diplomats also wanted to know about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's participation in the election, said a party leader.
In reply, the BNP delegation claimed that as per the law there is no bar for her to contest the polls.
The party also handed over a written statement on the cases in which Khaleda was convicted.
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