Thinking alternative to election will be dangerous: CA
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Sunday stressed that there is no substitute for elections and warned that any attempt to consider an alternative would be extremely dangerous for the nation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the national election scheduled for February.
“There is no alternative to election. It would be profoundly dangerous for the country if anyone contemplates an alternative,” Prof. Yunus said, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, during his meetings with leading political figures.
Shafiqul Alam added that the Chief Adviser emphasized that the upcoming election will be conducted in a free, fair, and festive manner in the first half of February, consistent with his recent address to the nation.
Earlier, Prof. Yunus held separate discussions with leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party (NCP), focusing on the country’s current situation and preparations for the national election.
During these discussions, National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof. Ali Riaz and Special Assistant for Consensus Building Monir Haider briefed Prof. Yunus on the July Charter and the positions of the political parties, the Press Secretary added.
Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Assistant Press Secretary Sushmita Tithi were also present.
One force is trying to delay the election: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the 13th Parliamentary Election will be held next February. The Chief Adviser also agrees on this, and the people of the country are reassured about it.
Mirza Fakhrul made these remarks to reporters on Sunday evening after meeting with the Chief Adviser. Also present were BNP Standing Committee members Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, and Professor A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain.
Mirza Fakhrul said that one force is trying to delay the election. However, there is no possibility of postponement. The election will be held on the date already announced. The discussion with the Chief Adviser was fruitful.
Jamaat agreed Feb polls roadmap demands level playing field: Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed agreement with the Chief Adviser that the election will be held in February before Ramadan.
However, the party demanded ensuring level playing field. It has alleged that one political group is conspiring when it comes to the conditions for a free and fair election, according to Jamaat-e-Islami’s Deputy Amir Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.
Speaking at an immediate press briefing after the meeting with the Chief Adviser, said Abdullah Muhammad Taher.
He added that the Chief Adviser has reassured the nation on three matters, stating that certain reforms will be implemented, justice will be visible, and the election will be conducted in a globally recognized, joyful manner.
He also mentioned that although all parties have reached consensus on many issues, a few parties have issued notes of dissent on certain matters.
NCP demands ban on JaPa: The Jatiya Party – JaPa- participated in the last three illegal elections to give them legitimacy. Even on their posters, it was written “Awami-nominated candidate.” There is no difference between the Awami League and the Jatiya Party.
The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has called on the interim government to take steps to suspend the activities of the JaPa.
On Sunday evening, NCP leaders met with Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at his official residence in Jamuna. Later, in a briefing to journalists in front of the Jamuna, NCP Senior Joint Convenor Ariful Islam Adib said this.
He said that even a year after the uprising, rehabilitation and security have not been ensured. They demanded proper security measures. They also called for legal support for expatriates who participated in the uprising.
Referring to the report of the enforced disappearance commission, they urged action against those in state institutions who were involved. It was alleged that state institutions influenced the elections, and steps should be taken against them.