Political parties demand clarity, details on polls roadmap
BNP and other likeminded political parties want announcement of specific date and roadmap of next general election form the interim government.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami expressed conditional support for the election timeline and Jatiya Nagorik Committee said, there will be no elections in Bangladesh before the trial of Awami League and fascists.
After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Prof Yunus delivered a total of five speeches, which BNP leaders criticised for lacking a clear election roadmap.
Speaking to The Daily Observer, BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told, "The chief advisor does not make any announcement he declared an approximate time frame of next general election "
He said, "Elections have become much easier after the 5th Amendment was struck down by the Supreme Court. At present context I think there is no need to take more than one year to conduct a free and fair election."
"Sooner the election is held, the better it will be for the interim government and the people of the country," Mosharrar added.
Jamaat's Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "We are ready to cooperate with the declaration of the chief adviser's declaration about election but everything has timeframe."
Some BNP leaders warned that delays could invite conspiracies and harm the election process.
"The country's economy is in a dire state and soaring commodity prices are suffocating people. Until an elected government is in place, these issues cannot be resolved," party's Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas told reporters after paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of Victory Day.
In reaction about the general election Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, said the announcement is an indication of progress, but it lacks clarity and details.
He said, "Primarily, we welcome the indication given by the chief adviser. We expect them to hold discussions with stakeholders and present a more specific roadmap of election."
"Such discussions with political stakeholders could help finalise the election dates, outline required reforms, and establish a detailed plan. It would also contribute to achieving political stability," Saki added.
After paying tribute to Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar, speaking with the reporters convener of Jatiya Nagorik Committee Nasiruddin Patwary said, "Even after 1971, we have not yet been able to hold trials for those who stood against the people of Bangladesh in 1971. We have not yet seen justice for those killed in 1990. Taking lessons from 90 and 71, there will be no elections before the trial of 2024."
He said that, if there is an election before the trial of 2024, the 2,000 martyrs and millions injured will not get any justice.
"To this end, we call on all parties, factions, and groups to be active in the judicial process and fulfil the dream of Bangladeshis," he said.
