Fair polls without movement possible, says Nazrul
An acceptable election can be arranged without any movement if the government reaches an understanding through talks, said BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday.
"We've no option but to forge a movement if we want to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh through a credible election. We can also do it without a movement if the government engages in talks over the demands we've placed," he said, UNB reports.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader further said, "The government will be able to ignore our demands if it can prove those are unjustified through discussions. Let's hold talks and reach a consensus to hold a free, fair and neutral election."
He said their party will not have any objection if Awami League returns to power with people's mandate in a credible and impartial election.
Ziaur Rahman Samaj Kalyan Parishad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club demanding the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.
Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said a level-playing field will not be created if the current MPs and ministers contest the election without dissolving parliament and the cabinet.
He said the government is saying it will form an election-time small cabinet, but the cabinet members will contest the polls.
The BNP leader said they want those who will be there in the election-time government not to contest the polls. "You can win the polls exerting and abusing power if you remain in office."
Referring to ruling party leaders' comment that BNP's demand for neutral government and dissolution of parliament illogical, he questioned why the party had thought these demands justified in 1996.
"Awami League leaders used to say they're very respectful to the Constitution and there's no room to go beyond it. Where was this respect for the Constitution while annulling the caretaker government system by amending it?" he quipped.
Nazrul said the ruling party is also opposing BNP's demand for army deployment in the polls as it will not be able to rig votes if the armed forces remain out there in the field during the election.
