Samyobadi Dal for polls-time govt, search committee under a council

In the absence of a law to form an election commission, a search committee can be formed under a council constituted with all the constitutional bodies, the Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal has suggested.

It also called for forming an election time government in light of the Constitution under the leadership of the prime minister.

Leaders of the party put forth the suggestions while holding a discussion on EC formation Tuesday with the President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the city. A six-member delegation led by the party Secretary Dilip Barua met the president.   

The party placed a five-point demand during the discussion including law for EC formation, immediate punishment of those misusing religion, money, arms and muscle power during elections and reducing the number of businessmen among lawmakers in the parliament.   

Dilip Barua said an EC formed without a law would work as per the directives of the administration. So an EC formed by that type of search committee would not be acceptable. 

The dialogue on EC formation started on 20 December in which 13 political parties have participated so far. 

The president invited 16 parties until Tuesday. Besides, nine more parties have been invited.

These are – Jamiyate Ulama e Islam Bangladesh, GonoFront, Liberal Democratic Party, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Muslim League, Jatiya Party (JP), Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh and Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP).

Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Communist Party and Islami Andolon Bangladesh did not take part in the dialogue.

Of the total 39 registered political parties of the country, 31 are supposed to hold talks with the president.