The rift in Election Commission has emerged as a new crisis for the country, says BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
“The Election Commission has itself got divided. The crisis in the Commission is also the crisis of the state,” he said on Saturday.
The BNP secretary general’s remarks came at a discussion arranged by Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) demanding BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s release from jail, and annulment of the Digital Security Act.
The BNP have long been saying that the KM Nurul Huda-led Commission is incapable to work independently as it fully depends on the government, he said before adding: “The way the EC secretary speaks, it seems he is the chief electoral officer while the Chief Election Commissioner’s statements give an impression that he is the most hapless person.”
Referring to media reports, he said, “An Election Commissioner said he presented some proposals for a fair election, but those were not considered. Another Commissioner said the proposals are unconstitutional. This remarks exposed the Commission has got divided.”
Fakhrul said the government is coming up with various rules and regulations to hold another election like 2014.
He said the Election Commission cannot hold a unilateral election to put a particular party in power. “If they do it, they’ll violate their oaths and the Constitution. It’ll undoubtedly be a crime of sedition.”
There is no alternative to engaging in talks for ensuring people’s welfare and peace and building a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh, the senior BNP leader said.
“The BNP has been patient until now as it believes in democracy. We want transition of power through a credible election. The people want change. They will not accept an election with Khaleda Zia behind the bars.”