B Chowdhury suggests referendum to settle UZ poll issue
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Former president and Bikalpadhara Bangladesh (BDB) chief AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury Friday questioned reservation of some political parties about the upazila polls ahead of the general elections but suggested that a referendum could settle the debate, reports BSS.
"No political party raised objections when the polls schedules were announced for city corporations and nine municipalities. But some parties are now opposing plans to stage upazila elections and some even have pledged to resist it, raising suspicions of anarchy or violence," he told a press conference at his KC Memorial Clinic office in the city.
"When nobody opposed the mayoral polls, why objections are being raised against the upazila elections?" the former president sought to know. He, however, suggested that a referendum be held to settle the question.
Asked whether the general elections should be held under the state of emergency, he said the coming mayoral polls could be a test case in this connection. If the August 4 mayoral polls are found acceptable to all under the emergency power rules (EPR), it could be all right for the parliamentary elections also, he said.
The BDB chief evaded a direct answer when asked whether his party would again form the "grand alliance" with the Awami League (AL) but said, "if needed in the interest of the country, we will not hesitate to form the grand alliance."
"When we formed the BDB, an intolerant government was in power, which exposed us to severe tortures. Bikalpadhara Bangladesh is now rapidly gaining popularity, becoming the most prospective party of the country," he said. "We will hold discussions with other parties to form an alliance," he added.
BDB Secretary General Major (retd) Abdul Mannan and central leader Mahi B Chowdhury were present at the press conference.
"No political party raised objections when the polls schedules were announced for city corporations and nine municipalities. But some parties are now opposing plans to stage upazila elections and some even have pledged to resist it, raising suspicions of anarchy or violence," he told a press conference at his KC Memorial Clinic office in the city.
"When nobody opposed the mayoral polls, why objections are being raised against the upazila elections?" the former president sought to know. He, however, suggested that a referendum be held to settle the question.
Asked whether the general elections should be held under the state of emergency, he said the coming mayoral polls could be a test case in this connection. If the August 4 mayoral polls are found acceptable to all under the emergency power rules (EPR), it could be all right for the parliamentary elections also, he said.
The BDB chief evaded a direct answer when asked whether his party would again form the "grand alliance" with the Awami League (AL) but said, "if needed in the interest of the country, we will not hesitate to form the grand alliance."
"When we formed the BDB, an intolerant government was in power, which exposed us to severe tortures. Bikalpadhara Bangladesh is now rapidly gaining popularity, becoming the most prospective party of the country," he said. "We will hold discussions with other parties to form an alliance," he added.
BDB Secretary General Major (retd) Abdul Mannan and central leader Mahi B Chowdhury were present at the press conference.