BNP alleges conspiracy to delay polls by destabilising law and order

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Tuesday alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the national election by deteriorating the law and order situation in a planned way, reports UNB.

"There is a clear conspiracy… if the law and order situation can be worsened, it is likely to benefit certain quarters," he said.

The BNP leader made the remark while talking to journalists in front of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh after visiting the venue ahead of the professionals' planned programme there on July 21, marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising.

He, however, expressed the hope that the election would be held in time foiling all evil efforts.

Dr Zahid said, "The way the Chief Adviser and the Election Commission are moving forward, we hope that they will fulfill their commitments to hold the election by mid-February."

Referring to the recent brutal murder of a scrap trader in the old part of the capital, he said BNP does not support or condone any kind of wrongdoing or injustice.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said though progress has been achieved regarding the constitutional amendment issue in the reform dialogue, there is still disagreement over the formation of the Upper House of a prospective bicameral parliament.

"Most political parties are in principle supporting the formation of a bicameral parliament. But, disagreements remain regarding the formation process, powers and functions of the upper house," he said at a press briefing after the 14th day of the second-round of reform talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

In line with BNP's 31-point reform agenda, Salahuddin said his party proposed formation of a 100-seat upper house with representatives from diverse sectors -- such as academics, political scientists, social scientists, and marginalised communities.