BNP demands formation of EC under neutral govt

Terming all the members of Search Committee including its head as "Awami League backed people," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has demanded formation of an Election Commission (EC) under the neutral government.

"First, a neutral government must have to be formed which will reconstitute the Election Commission. Then the next general election will have to be arranged under that Election Commission. Otherwise, no election will be allowed to take place in Bangladesh," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city on the occasion of its 42nd founding anniversary on Friday.

The BNP leader said: "The father of the man who is the head of the Search Committee was an Awami League member of parliament (MP). Even, he also sought the party's nomination. His younger brother was Sheikh Hasina's adviser. Another Search Committee member also sought Awami League nomination. Those who will search candidates for the Election Commission are not impartial. How they will form a neutral Election Commission?"

Mirza Fakhrul said that the government has constituted the Search Committee with several persons from the civil society in order to "justify their drama." "Their main objective is to come to power again."

Referring to the phone conversation between the Law Minister and Prime Minister's adviser, he said, "They mentioned about two judges during their phone conversation which was very objectionable. We demand investigation into this phone conversation and disclose it in detail to people."

Regarding the government ministers' alleged indulgence in corruption, Fakhrul said, "Relatives of the Education Minister resorted to looting in the name of setting up a university in Chandpur. But, no investigation into the incident has so far been carried out. On the other hand, State Minister for Power has been doing business in Bangladesh by opening a company which is completely illegal."

The BNP Secretary General said Awami League backed people have been buying houses in Canada and Singapore indulging in looting. On the other hand, ordinary people's sufferings mount due to constant rise in prices of essentials. "This government has turned Bangladesh into a heaven for looters and black-marketeers."

Speaking at the discussion, Dhaka City (South) BNP convener Abdus Salam said small traders along with weavers did not receive any incentive from the government during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Ministers and MPs looted hundreds of crores of taka in the name of incentives," he said.

Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal convener Abul Kalam Azad said late President Ziaur Rahman had established Tanti Dal taking the greater interest of all weavers and traders into account. The present government is an autocratic one. Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal will take to street to unseat this government from power, he said.