If elected, the Jatiya Oikya Front will amend the Constitution if that’s what the people want, says its leaders Gano Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain.
His remarks came on Saturday (Dec 1) during a media call at the National Press Club.
Asked whether the coalition will bring back provision of caretaker administration if elected, the senior lawyer said, “We all remember why the caretaker government was introduced — It was in 1996, when the BNP-led government scrapped general election in the face of our demand (Dr Kamal was then with the Awami League). And the first beneficiary of the new provision was the Awami League, which took office after 21 years. It was Sheikh Hasina who took a firm stance for the caretaker administration in 2007.”
The Oikya Front leader said if the people call for it, then they will amend the Constitution.
Responding to a query he urged the election commission to hold the upcoming generation election in a neutral and fair manner. “The next national election is very important before celebrating the golden jubilee of independence in 2021,” he added.
Dr Kamal called upon the election commission to ensure equal facilities for all candidates participating in the polls. “The election commission has to ensure an environment for all polling agents so that they can perform their duties without fear.”
Renewing his call to the people of the country to guard the polling stations so that the Dec 30 elections are held freely, he said, “As the owner of the state, people must guard the polling stations so that the elections are held in a credible manner.”
Dr Kamal, who was a minister in the Bangabandhu Cabinet, said that the media, as well as the people, are saying that there might be a hindrance in various ways to the election.
“We all will remain alert to protect the election process thwarting the obstruction, no matter who does it — the government or anyone else.”
He urged the country’s people to go to polling stations early on Election Day and make sure all of their neighbours can cast their votes without any hindrance. “The responsibility doesn’t end if only after the vote is cast. It’s a big responsibility to elect honest and competent persons after scrutiny while giving votes.”