FE Today Logo

Already-split EC can't hold fair election: Fakhrul

October 21, 2018 00:00:00


BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiya Ganotantrik Party at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the city on Saturday — FE photo

FE Report

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday holding a free and fair general election will not be possible for the current Election Commission (EC) that has already got divided.

Criticising the role of the EC, he said one commissioner publicly said that his proposals for holding fair and acceptable election were not considered while others term his opinions unconstitutional.

"A crisis has appeared within the commission. But there has to be one commission to hold the polls and the rift in the EC is a national crisis," he said.

Election commissioner Mahbub Talukder walked out of the commission's meeting twice with a "note of dissent" saying his opinions have been disregarded.

Mirza Fakhrul was making the remarks at a discussion programme organised by Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in the capital.

JGP vice president Tasmia Pradhan moderated the function.

He remarked that the Election Commission, which has no power to exercise on its own, will not be able to hold a free, fair and acceptable election.

"It (EC) wants to hold January 5-type election only for handing over power to the ruling Awami League for another term, which is unconstitutional," the BNP secretary general said.

The coalition led by BNP has shown enough patience because it firmly believes in democracy and peaceful power transition through a participatory election, he added.

"People want change and will not accept any election leaving their leader Begum Khaleda Zia in prison. People of the country are united and they want change in the ruling system," he said.

Talking about the Jatiya Oikya Front's (JOF) Sylhet rally, he said the coalition wanted to hold the rally on October 23 but the government did not give the permission in fear of possible subversion in the area.

But, they (the government) gave permission to Pir Saheb of Chormonai for holding a rally while a rally is being held today (Saturday) by Jatiya Party at Suhrawardy Uddyan in the capital, he said.

Mr. Alamgir urged the government not to do such things and release the BNP chairperson before holding dialogue for a free, fair and acceptable national election.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and BNP Chairperson's adviser Amanullah Aman, among others, spoke at the discussion.

[email protected]


Share if you like