BNP readies proposal for neutral EC

Poll-time govt plea still on agenda

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is working on a proposal for an independent and neutral Election Commission (EC), which will be formed after the tenure of the present EC expires in February, according to party sources.The party is putting all its energies and efforts to prepare a specific proposal for forming an EC that will conduct the next polls in a free and fair manner, said the sources.
The proposal is likely to be made public by party chairperson Khaleda Zia at a press conference or a public meeting early next month, said a source close to the chairperson’s Gulshan office.
When contacted, BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain confirmed that the BNP would submit a specific proposal. “The proposal will be on the module of the EC. It is being prepared,” he said.
Without disclosing details, the veteran leader said it would be submitted on behalf of the party.
BNP leaders said the party is contemplating taking to the street again from early next year to push for holding the next general election under an "independent and powerful" EC. They also said that the BNP would not give up its demand for a non-partisan election-time government under whatever name.
“The party wants to take part in the next polls under a neutral government, whatever be its name. The party will even consider taking part in the polls if an independent and neutral EC is formed through talks, and there is a guarantee of free and fair elections under it,” said a senior leader of the party.
He said that initially they want the government to ensure holding of the next election under a neutral and powerful Election Commission, and subsequently they would work for holding of all general elections under a non-partisan government.The leader, however, did not say how and when the BNP would resume its movement for a strong EC and a non-partisan government.
The party wants to stage a massive showdown in Dhaka on November 7—the day the party observes as national revolution and solidarity day—to demand a powerful EC. Party chief Khaleda Zia is expected to address the mass gathering, according to party source.
The party chairperson also plans to visit different districts from January to mobilise support for an independent and neutral EC. A joint meeting of the BNP will be held today (Thursday) at the party’s central office, with secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair, to plan the November 7 programme, the source added.
A vice-president of the party, preferring anonymity, said the party has not deviated from its demand for holding the next polls under a neutral administration. “Now, our first priority is an independent and strong EC, for which the party plans to raise its voice,” he said.
The leader hoped that the government would hold talks with major political parties to form an effective and powerful EC,  acceptable to all, before the present commission’s tenure ends in February.
BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said the government has to form a strong EC comprising people who will respect the voting rights of the people and would not bow before any political party.
“A strong Election Commission should be formed first and then we can discuss how the elections will be held and under which administration,” he said.  
He, however, added that the BNP had not deviated from its movement for holding polls under a non-partisan government.
Asked about the next course of action, the BNP leader just said: “Wait and see.”
BNP joint secretary general Mujibur Rahman Sarwar referred to the statement of the party chairperson, saying that there will be no problem if the name of election-time government is changed.
The leader said the BNP’s demand was for a government which would maintain neutrality in conducting polls. He mentioned that countries like Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Pakistan are also choosing neutral governments for overseeing polls.The activities of the BNP, which is neither in Parliament nor on the streets, have been virtually stalled following the two failed movements—one before the January 5 polls and the indefinite blockade marked by violence.Although party leaders did say that an issue-based movement would soon be launched, the party chose to remain indoors.

 

BNP readies proposal for neutral EC

Poll-time govt plea still on agenda

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is working on a proposal for an independent and neutral Election Commission (EC), which will be formed after the tenure of the present EC expires in February, according to party sources.The party is putting all its energies and efforts to prepare a specific proposal for forming an EC that will conduct the next polls in a free and fair manner, said the sources. The proposal is likely to be made public by party chairperson Khaleda Zia at a press conference or a public meeting early next month, said a source close to the chairpersons Gulshan office. When contacted, BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain confirmed that the BNP would submit a specific proposal. The proposal will be on the module of the EC. It is being prepared, he said. Without disclosing details, the veteran leader said it would be submitted on behalf of the party. BNP leaders said the party is contemplating taking to the street again from early next year to push for holding the next general election under an independent and powerful EC. They also said that the BNP would not give up its demand for a non-partisan election-time government under whatever name. The party wants to take part in the next polls under a neutral government, whatever be its name. The party will even consider taking part in the polls if an independent and neutral EC is formed through talks, and there is a guarantee of free and fair elections under it, said a senior leader of the party. He said that initially they want the government to ensure holding of the next election under a neutral and powerful Election Commission, and subsequently they would work for holding of all general elections under a non-partisan government.The leader, however, did not say how and when the BNP would resume its movement for a strong EC and a non-partisan government. The party wants to stage a massive showdown in Dhaka on November 7the day the party observes as national revolution and solidarity dayto demand a powerful EC. Party chief Khaleda Zia is expected to address the mass gathering, according to party source. The party chairperson also plans to visit different districts from January to mobilise support for an independent and neutral EC. A joint meeting of the BNP will be held today (Thursday) at the partys central office, with secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair, to plan the November 7 programme, the source added. A vice-president of the party, preferring anonymity, said the party has not deviated from its demand for holding the next polls under a neutral administration. Now, our first priority is an independent and strong EC, for which the party plans to raise its voice, he said. The leader hoped that the government would hold talks with major political parties to form an effective and powerful EC, acceptable to all, before the present commissions tenure ends in February. BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said the government has to form a strong EC comprising people who will respect the voting rights of the people and would not bow before any political party. A strong Election Commission should be formed first and then we can discuss how the elections will be held and under which administration, he said. He, however, added that the BNP had not deviated from its movement for holding polls under a non-partisan government. Asked about the next course of action, the BNP leader just said: Wait and see. BNP joint secretary general Mujibur Rahman Sarwar referred to the statement of the party chairperson, saying that there will be no problem if the name of election-time government is changed. The leader said the BNPs demand was for a government which would maintain neutrality in conducting polls. He mentioned that countries like Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Pakistan are also choosing neutral governments for overseeing polls.The activities of the BNP, which is neither in Parliament nor on the streets, have been virtually stalled following the two failed movementsone before the January 5 polls and the indefinite blockade marked by violence.Although party leaders did say that an issue-based movement would soon be launched, the party chose to remain indoors.