The ruling Awami League general secretary, Obaidul Quader, castigated Transparency International Bangladesh executive director Iftekharuzzaman and SHUJAN—Citizens for Good Governance secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar for their remark that the next general election is unlikely to be participatory.
The AL general secretary, addressing a news briefing at the party president Sheikh Hasina’s political office at Dhanmondi in the capital on Friday, wondered whether an election could be called ‘not participatory’ when 30 registered political parties, out of 44, are participating in it.
‘TIB’s Iftekharuzzaman and Badiul Alam Majumdar are frequently saying that the election will not be participatory. If one political party [main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party] does not take part in an election, does it make that election non-participatory?’ he asked.
Quader, also minister for road, transport and bridges, informed the media that BNP’s 30 former lawmakers, including its 15 central leaders, are taking part in the elections.
‘The train of elections has set off and reached its destination unstopped. The election will be held on time. No obstacles will be able to stop it,’ he added.
He also alleged that Iftekharuzzaman and Badiul Alam Majumdar did not speak about the BNP’s ‘arson attacks’ in which they have ‘burnt’ 273 vehicles.
The TIB said on Thursday that the coming national election is unlikely to be participatory and building public confidence in such an election is impossible.
The TIB placed 76 recommendations in a statement titled ‘Political commitments for democracy, good governance and integrity’ to foster democracy, institutionalize democratic values and practices, establish an effective parliament, promote good governance, and uphold integrity in the activities of political parties, according to a press release.
SHUJAN secretary Badiul Alam Majumder said that it is clear as daylight that the government is determined to hold a one-sided election.
At another discussion on Wednesday, Badiul again said that by leaving the largest political party the election will not be a participatory one.
Asked about the violation of electoral code by ruling AL candidates and beating journalist in Chattogram, he said that AL has no objection and the party will not interfere if the Election Commission takes any move against the violators.
Replying to another question about a video clip gone viral on social media in which Trinamool BNP secretary general Taimur Alam Khandaker is seen to mention that already he has met with prime minister Sheikh Hasina in which an understanding has been reached that a seat in Narayanganj will be left for him, Quader said, ‘He may well have talked to the prime minister. The prime minister’s decision will be clear by December 16.’
Asked about the European Union’s suggestion to address labour and human rights in Bangladesh for GSP privileges, he said, ‘…Everyone is taking their policy keeping in line with the changed situation. We have a friendly relation with the European Union and sometimes that friendship may experience strains. We have a friendly relationship and relationship between friends sometime get strain. We need the EU and EU needs us. If any problem arises, it will be solved.’
When asked why the AL has awarded nomination to Bangladesh Nationalist Party vice-chairman Shahjahan Omar for the Jhalakathi-1 constituency, the ruling party general secretary said that since the BNP man wanted to join AL politics, the Awami League had nothing to do [but accept him].
‘He is a freedom fighter and he had a choice as well,’ he added.
AL joint general secretary, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organising secretary BM Mozammel Haque, office secretary Biplab Barua and deputy office secretary Sayem Khan, among others, were present at the briefing.
