Political parties to blame if polls not held within 2008: Mainul

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Law and Information Advisor Barrister Mainul Hosein firmly believes that within 2008, reform of the political parties would be completed and general election held in a new democratic paradigm, reports UNB.
"But if the election is not held within 2008, political parties would be responsible for that," he said on a note of forewarning, and expressed the hope that the politicians would complete their reform tasks before the next year goes by.
The adviser was speaking to reporters at his Information Ministry office, explaining position of the caretaker government on reform, election and a durable democracy.
Referring to the EU troika's plea for a roadmap for holding the stalled parliamentary elections, Mainul said, "The EU delegation wants roadmap for the election, but we don't want roadmap for the election only, we want roadmap for the democracy as well."
He said the EU delegation would have to understand that the government is familiar with everything. He congratulated the EU troika delegation on what he said their having understood that reforms are essential for the political parties.
The Adviser said the government already has declared the roadmap for the election as the government promised to hold the polls within 2008.
"Election would be held within 2008 and now the Election Commission can only declare the election schedule," he said, adding: "We are not interested to hold an election for election's sake, we want to hold election for restoring democracy."
Mainul reminded that this caretaker government came to power not only to hold parliamentary elections but also to establish the rule of law.
Referring to a query about the reform of the political parties, the Law advisor said, "The politics and the leadership that couldn't bring any good and success for the country and its people, need to reform."
Lashing at the degenerated politicians, he said those who are involved in gross corruption and under whose leadership democracy was destroyed couldn't lead the nation. "We don't want to see any black money holders and corrupt in the country's political arena."