Leaders of Ganotantri Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan on Monday met separately President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban to present their views and proposals on the formation of a new Election Commission for holding the 12th parliamentary polls.
A seven-member delegation of Ganotantri Party was led by its president Barrister Arash Ali, while Mawlana Atullah Hafezi, chairman of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, led his party’s seven-member team in the talks held at the Durbar Hall of the president’s house, according to Jaynal Abedin, press secretary to the president.
Ganotantri Party proposed that a constitutional council be set up to form the EC. The council should comprise the prime minister, leader of the opposition in parliament, speaker, chief justice and attorney general.
The party also urged to take the action against those who will use the religion, muscle power and illegal money during election. It said that EC should be held accountable for their activities during the election and post-election period.
The party also called for banning all anti-liberation parties and individuals in the country.
During the meeting with the President, Khelafat Andolon submitted a six point proposal, the press secretary said.
It proposed the establishment of permanent, neutral, skilled and capable Election Commission in the interest of democracy.
The party suggested that experienced individuals be included in the next EC.
It mentioned in their proposal to bar anti-religion persons, owners of black money and loan defaulters and their family members from taking part in politics.
They also want the relaxation of the 33 per cent quota in all committees at local and national levels reserved for women.
During the talks President Hamid called upon all political parties to show respect to other’s opinion so democracy flourishes in the country.
“It is imperative to develop a culture of mutual respect and amity in politics. Political parties will have to show respect to other’s opinion to help flourish the democracy,” he said.
He said “It is very important to gain the trust and belief of the people in politics. All political parties should give the utmost priority of the welfare of the people.”
President Hamid opened the dialogue on formation of the next EC on December 20. The current EC is scheduled to end its five-year term in February next.
So far 12 of 23 political parties who were invited in phases joined the talks.
According to Bangabhaban press wing, the other parties invited for the dialogue are Bangladesh Sammobadi Dal and Islami Andolon Bangladesh on January 4, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh on January 5, Gono Front and Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP) on January 6, Krishak Janata League and Bangladesh Muslim League ( BML) on January 9 and Jatiya Party ( JP) and Jatiya Somajtantrik Dal (JSD) on January 10.
The country has now 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website and only nine of them have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.
Source: United News of Bangladesh