BNP to reject any reform proposal that hinders fair elections: Nazrul Islam
The government must make a decision [on holding prompt election] based on political consensus, he says
The BNP will not accept any proposal from the reform commissions if they create obstacles to fair elections, party Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said today (9 February).
"We had a discussion with the Election Commission today (yesterday). We exchanged views on their current activities and preparations for the upcoming national elections," Nazrul told reporters after a meeting at the Nribachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.
He said it is possible to hold the next election promptly as the commission is confident to complete the updated voter list by May or June.
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"From their [EC's] words, it seems to us that they will be ready for the election with a completely updated voter list by May or June," he added.
Mentioning that the Election Commission does not have the authority to decide on election matters, he said, "According to the country's laws and constitution, if a government resigns, elections must be held within 90 days. That is the law. However, the country is not operating in accordance with this law now."
The BNP said the government now needs to request the Election Commission to conduct the election based on political consensus.
"But, we understand that if the complete voter list is ready by next May and June, then a quick election is possible by addressing other relevant issues," he said.
In response to a question, Nazrul said, "Since it is the government's responsibility to announce the election date, we will have a discussion with the chief adviser tomorrow (today), and we will raise this issue there."
Earlier, a three-member BNP delegation held a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), including the chief election commissioner, to discuss the preparations for the upcoming national election.
Led by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, the delegation included party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman.
This is the BNP's first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on 21 November and headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin.
The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year. On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap.
