The National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday took part in a discussion with President Abdul Hamid on the formation of the Election Commission.
A seven-member delegation led by the party’s chairman Sheikh Salauddin Salu took part in the discussion held at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban.
President’s press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB that the delegation submitted a five-point proposal including enactment of electoral law.
They recommended the formation of a search committee consisting of honest and experienced people.
They also called for the formation of an election commission consisting of honest, and non-partisan people believing in the spirit of the Liberation War and making the Election Commission independent and neutral.
The delegation also proposed the formation of an election-time government headed by the prime minister and comprising leaders of registered political parties believing in the spirit of the Liberation War in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitution.
Welcoming the NPP delegation, the president said discussions and exchange of views with the political parties would help in forming an acceptable Election Commission.
He said that discussion and exchange of views play a fruitful role in resolving any issue in a democracy.
He thanked the political parties for giving their thoughtful views.
Secretary to the President’s Office Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary to the President Joynal Abedin were also present on the occasion.
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.
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.
A slew of parties including the BNP, in most people’s minds the main opposition to the ruling party, have decided not to participate in the talks. In the past the president has appointed search committees to recommend names to him.
Source: United News of Bangladesh