The interim government is committed to ensuring a level-playing field for all political parties ahead of the upcoming elections, said CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, reports UNB.
"Our primary responsibility is to create a level-playing field for all parties, and we are actively doing so," he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday.
He said the government's goal is to ensure a free, fai, and credible election in which all parties can participate on equal footing. "We treat all parties equally. In this context, we believe that the discussions regarding bus requisition are largely exaggerated," Shafiqul Alam added.
About allegations over the requisition of buses for a political event, Alam said, "We have noticed a claim circulating on social media that five buses were requisitioned from Pirojpur for the launch event of the Jatiya Nagorik Party, allegedly with assistance from the Pirojpur Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office."
He dismissed allegations that the interim government had played a role in the requisition process, saying, "We categorically state that the interim government had no involvement in this matter."
Alam further explained, "I have spoken with Pirojpur DC Ashraful Alam, who informed me that the local unit of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement groups and the Nagorik Committee had requested bus requisition. They also submitted a formal letter to the DC's office."
"Besides, families of those affected by the July uprising approached the authorities with a similar request. Given these appeals and the prevailing pressure, the DC's office facilitated the requisition of five buses. However, no expenses related to fuel or travel were covered by the DC's office," he added.
Alam also noted that he had consulted the Cabinet Secretary, who confirmed that the interim government had no role in the matter.
He also said although the interim government has already released the national election roadmap, BNP may be pressing for a specific election date.
When asked about BNP's demand for the election roadmap to be announced within this month, Shafiqul Alam said, "We have already clarified that the roadmap has been provided. BNP may now be seeking a precise date. We have stated that if political parties agree to proceed with minimal reforms, the election can be held within December this year."
He further explained, "If the parties prefer elections after implementing additional reforms, there could be a delay of up to three months. However, after April, the Kalbaishakhi (nor'wester) and monsoon rains set in, making election logistics more challenging."
