Khaleda to address press on Dec 24
Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday said holding of the 10th parliamentary election is still possible after January 24 as per Constitution with participation of all political parties through a consensus. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia would address a press conference on December 24 on the current crisis and latest political situation, a spokesman of the party said.BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at a news briefing at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office this evening said they think that still a consensus is possible if the government has good intention.
He said it is also possible to amend the Constitution if necessary for holding the 10th parliamentary election through participation of all through a consensus.
Because, he said parliament still remains functioning and there is no constraint of time for holding the election. Only constraint is the lack of good intention on the part of the government, he added.
Asked how they expected consensus after alleging on Saturday that the prime minister blocked the path of consensus, he said people don’t want closing the path of consensus for holding an inclusive election.
Nazrul, acting as BNP spokesman, said still there is enough time for holding the 10th parliamentary election and said according to the provision of the existing Constitution the general election can be held within 90 days from January 24 if the present parliament is dissolved within January 24.
He said the ministers and ruling party leaders were making statements that election would be held on January 5 due to lack of time is just to mislead people. It is not logical, he added.
The BNP spokesman asked the government to take initiative for holding the 10th parliamentary election with participation of all through consensus to return the snatched voting rights of people.
Asked about severing ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the government or a certain party cannot decide who would remain in politics or not. He said people would decide about it.
Asked whether BNP would take any decision to relax blockade responding to Hefajata-e-Islam call for its rally at Shapla Square on December 24, he said no decision was taken yet.
About the ruling party’s remarks that BNP has good relation with Pakistan so it remains silent over endorsing resolution by its national assembly over Quader Mollah’s execution, he said generally each state has relation with other states and there is no scope to have special relation with any other state or government.
He questioned whether the government has cut off diplomatic relations with Pakistan? If there is any good relation that remains with the government, he said.
Responding to the prime minister’s comment that BNP was frustrated over boycotting the election, Nazrul refuted it saying BNP sticks to its stand and would not participate in any election under any partisan government.
He said rather the Awami League has become upset following a storm of condemnation at home and abroad as the opposition did not participate in the election.
Nazrul said Khaleda Zia would address a press conference at her Gulshan office at 5:45 pm on Tuesday.
BNP leaders Asaduzzaman Ripon, Abdul Latif Jony, Asadul Karim Shahin and Shamimur Rahman Shamim, among others, were present at the briefing.
-With New Age input
