The ruling Awami League appears to be adamant not to concede to the opposition’s demand for the cancellation of the 10th parliamentary polls despite criticism in home and abroad over the credibility of the election. It also seems to have taken a hard-line against opposition BNP and its allies in a bid to quell their movement over the issue as it believes that the 10th parliamentary election held on January 5 is totally legitimate in line with the constitution.
Although some top Awami League leaders pointed out the government may initiate talks on holding early elections for the 11th parliament, the party has preparations to rule the country for the next five years, party insiders said.
If the AL becomes successful in quelling the opposition movement and more importantly in absorbing the pressure from the international community for ‘holding next election in an inclusive manner at the earliest possible time’, there is no reason to quit before the tenure ends, some party leaders felt.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday evening met President Abdul Hamid to discuss formation of a new government following her party’s landslide victory in the 10th parliamentary election.
“The prime minister apprised the president of the election and post-election situation,” President’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told reporters after the meeting.
Asked whether there was any discussion on formation of new government, he said the formal discussion will begin after a gazette is published on Sunday’s polls results.
“The president congratulated the countrymen and the victorious candidates for the peaceful election,” Karim added.
Telling the president that her government is determined to protect people and their properties, Hasina informed him the government is taking steps in this regard.
Talking to The Independent senior leaders of the party said the government will not at all concede to the opposition’s demand for cancellation of the 10th parliamentary polls and if the opposition tries to continue movement on this issue they will have to face stern action.
The ruling party stance was reflected through the arrest of Advocate Khondker Mahbubuddin, adviser to the BNP chairperson, BNP vice president Selima Rahman and former MP Fazlul Huq Milan yesterday.
Mahbub announced the 48-hour shutdown prior to the Sunday’s election while Selima was arrested soon after the announcement for extending the ongoing hartal by 12 hours.
The AL leaders also said as per the constitution they have the mandate to rule the country and hinted that it was too early to have talks on the 11th parliamentary election.
“If the opposition continues their destructive activities across the country, the government will be tougher against them,” Awami League presidium member Obaidul Quader said Tuesday.
“There is no scope to cancel the 10th Jatiya Sangsad elections,” he added.
Another influential leader of the party and environment and forest minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the 10th parliament has been elected for five years.
“It is natural the government elected for five years through January 5 election will discharge its duties. Anything can happen if BNP comes to an understanding shunning the path of violence,” he said.
Replying to a query on when there will be another election, he said, “It all depends on BNP… if they leave the company of war criminal Jammat, discard the path of anarchy and stop Laden-style video statements.”
The senior AL leader said the main opposition BNP has made great mistake by boycotting the 10th parliamentary elections.
Obaidul Quader, also the communication minister, said the main opposition BNP has failed to foil the 10th parliamentary elections as they have no people’s support.
Quader said the new government will take oath at the end of the January. And then the party’s associate bodies will be reconstituted.
Addressing a party meeting yesterday, AL joint general secretary Jahangir Kabir Nanak called upon the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to ‘shun the path of confrontation.’
Courtesy of The Independent
