BNP standing committee has said that the people of the country will turn down with “hatred” the recommendations of the search committee for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioners and other Commissioners.
At their virtual meeting on Monday, the BNP standing committee, the highest policymaking body of the party, also said almost all members of the search committee are directly or indirectly involved with Awami League, said a press release signed by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday.
“Our meeting felt that BNP did not want to show any interest in the search committee as the Election Commission to be formed by them (search panel) would not be able to conduct an acceptable, free and fair election unless it’s held under a neutral government,” it said.
The BNP policymakers also think the formation of the Election Commission through the current search committee as per the ‘controversial’ new law is unacceptable and meaningless.
“It’s clear that the Election Commission to be formed based on the recommendations of this search committee will aim to bring Awami League back to power like the outgoing commission. This is nothing but another deception with people. People will reject such a mockery with hatred.”
The BNP standing committee alleged people’s basic human rights and right to vote have been snatched in the last one decade. “This is a big crime. Awami League will have to face trial.”
On Saturday, a six-member search committee, led by Appellate Division Justice Obaidul Hasan, was formed to suggest the names of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
At their maiden meeting on Sunday, the search committee decided to request the registered political parties to propose names of eligible persons for the posts of chief election commissioner and other commissioners for the reconstitution of the Election Commission.
The BNP policymakers said there is no alternative to a neutral government in overcoming the current political crisis in the country.
Replying to a question, Mirza Fakhrul said the Awami League government has destroyed every institution.
“The Election Commission is not only failing to hold credible elections, but they are stealing public money and involved in corruption. “It’s unbelievable,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party strongly believes that no fair and acceptable election can be held under a partisan government in Bangladesh.
BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said the government must quit dissolving the parliament and then a new interim government will be able to constitute an impartial election commission and bring back the democratic institutions to the right track.
Source: United News of Bangladesh