4-party calls for deferring upazila polls

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The BNP led 4-party alliance at meeting Monday called for deferring the upazila polls, relaxing party registration rules and amending the Representation of People Order to ensure equal opportunity for all the parties in contesting the ensuing election, reports UNB.
The meeting held at the residence of Khandker Delwar Hossain viewed that it would be difficult for many political parties in taking part in the polls keeping in tact the existing rules.
Briefing the newsmen Delwar said they had pointed out the harsh provisions of party registration rules and RPO during their Saturday's meeting with the Election Commission. It is expected that EC will favourably consider their proposals and take appropriate measures, he added.
"We think that upazila polls should be held on logical dates after the general election. There is doubt about the fairness of national election if upazila polls are held within seven days. There is also apprehension of chaos and disturbances if the upazila polls are held within the short gap. The caretaker government has no constitutional obligation for holding upazila polls," Delwar said.
The alliance is ready to go to the polls. But incongruities should be removed so that all the parties can take part in the fracas, he said without specifying any provisions.
Delwar said the stance of the Chief Adviser about lifting of emergency is not acceptable to them. Emergency has to go before the polls for free and fair election.
Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin announcing the election date on Saturday hinted at relaxation of emergency. He had contended that polls to nine local bodies early last month were held smoothly with maximum turn out of voters within the emergency rules.
Nazrul Islam Khan, M Kamaruzzaman, Abdus Sobhan, Rafiqul Islam Khan, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman, Shamim Al Mamoon, Tayebur Rahman, Abdul Latif Nezami and Prof Ahmed Abdul Kader attended the meeting.