Shujan urges EC not to go for ‘one-sided’ election
Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik (Shujan) yesterday urged the Election Commission to cancel the schedule of the polls to stop it from being a one-party election.
“Cancel the schedule of a one-party election, announce fresh polls-schedule where all political parties will join and stay away from playing controversial role,” said Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
At the conference, titled “Shujan’s Call to Resolve Ongoing Crisis,” Badiul urged the ruling Awami League and the main opposition BNP to reach a consensus through discussion to save democracy and stop playing “unethical game” with Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad.
On November 25, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed announced that the 10th parliamentary elections will be held on January 5.
About the EC’s decision to deploy the army during election, Badiul said army’s assistance would be needed if the ruling party wanted to hold a one-sided election forcibly.
“It is our specific call to the ruling party that army should not be made controversial by using them in a one-party election, in partisan interest,” he added.
He also proposed formulating a new citizen charter, to be signed by all political parties, to forge a consensus on three key issues.
The issues are, a) finding out a polls-time government system; b) formulating guidelines for political parties and candidates for pre-election period; and c) guidelines on post-election activities.
The Shujan secretary said the government should postpone the election to resolve the political deadlock.
He called upon the government to stop “suppressive” action to resist opposition’s movement and release opposition leaders and take initiative for a dialogue.
He also urged the opposition parties should stop violence and holding talks with the government.
While addressing the function, noted jurist Shahdeen Malik said the way things were going, it was clear that there would be a one-sided election, which would not be acceptable in and outside the country.
Shahdeen, also a member of national committee of Shujan, urged the chiefs of the ruling and opposition parties not to think about imposing emergency in the country because it curbed people’s democratic rights.
Ain o Salish Kendra Chairperson Hameeda Hossain, media personality Muhammad Jahangir, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (Bela) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan, among others, spoke there.
-With The Daily Star input
