EC has no authority to register political parties: Delwar

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BNP Secretary General Khondoker Delwar Hossain Thursday questioned the authority of the Election Commission (EC) to register the political parties, reports UNB.
"EC has no jurisdiction to register the political parties. It is the function of the parliament to decide which political parties should be registered with the EC," said Delwar at his NAM residence.
The views of the BNP leader came when his attention was drawn to the statement of Election Commissioner Sohul Hussain that no election symbol would be reserved for any political party unless it is registered with the EC.
Delwar, also a veteran lawyer, said the EC need not think about BNP with regard to its election symbol. BNP is united and one under the leadership of its chairperson Khaleda Zia.
"They (EC) may ask us to meet (rebels) and come unitedly. But with whom we will meet. BNP is one and united under Khaleda Zia's leadership … people will judge who should get the symbol of BNP," he said.
Asked whether BNP leaders are siding with him for fear of being expelled, Delwar said it is not correct. Pro-reformists are spreading malice since their camp is getting empty. "Though late they are coming to us voluntarily after realising the reality," he said.
About the council meeting proposed by Mannan Bhuiyan group, Delwar questioned how they would convene meeting when they have not even primary membership of BNP. He said when political activities are resumed the party leaders and workers will prove who are the mainstream.
He said BNP leaders and workers in districts and upazilas are waiting for instructions from the centre. Once the state of emergency is withdrawn, they will start organisational activities for release of chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Meanwhile, expelled BNP joint secretary general Ashraf Hossain Thursday expressed the hope that the EC will allocate the party's election symbol sheaf of paddy to them.
"We're representing BNP and we believe the EC will consider it," he told journalists at the Gulshan residence of Mannan Bhuiyan. Ashraf claimed that members of the working committee and former MPs of BNP are with them.
On political party registration, he said the EC would do it in consultation with political parties. Each party may have its own opinion and put forward their suggestions and the Commission will take its decision in the light of the discussion.
Asked about the move to seek release of Khaleda Zia, Ashraf said they have not yet taken any decision. However, he said they are trying to know the allegations against the chairperson through lawyers. After lifting of the state of emergency they will take decision at the party meeting.