Neutral govt more important than neutral EC, says B Chy
Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) president Prof. Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury has said a neutral government is more essential than a neutral Election Commission (EC) to hold a free, fair and acceptable election. There might be many people acceptable in the country to form the Election Commission, but holding a free and fair election would not be possible if the election is not held under a neutral government, he said yesterday. Chowdhury was speaking at a meeting held at the Jatiya Press Club.
The former president said the earlier elections, which were held under neutral governments, were acceptable barring some minor faults. Thus, an impartial government is first required to hold the election in a free and fair manner, he said.
He said as the President could not take any step without the directive of the Prime Minister, it would not be worthwhile talking to the President about this.
Adarsha Nagorik Andolon, a pro-BNP think-tank, organised the meeting on Citizens Thoughts on Forming an Independent and Neutral EC. Hasan Mahmud, founder president of the organisation, presided over the meeting.
Prof. Chowdhurys comments came a week after BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia placed her partys 13-point proposal to reconstitute the EC, the tenure of which expires in February next year.
He said the BDB had formed a committee to prepare a proposal on the formation of an election-time government, based on the offer the Prime Minister had made prior to the January 5, 2014 elections.
The BDB chief also urged the government to set up refugee camps in border areas to assist Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds.
In an apparent reference to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said no one would take her to power if she sits idle at home. She would have to take to the streets to assume power, he said. Former lawmaker Golam Maula Rony, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
