Dhaka, Sep 6 (Just News): Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said that it is not anyone’s responsibility, except the Election Commission, to declare date of holding of the next general election.
“The government and its ministers cannot decide the date and we should not embarrass the Commission,” Quader also road transport and bridges minister came up with the remarks while addressing a programme at the party’s Bangabandhu Avenue central office in Dhaka.
While talking to reporters at a meeting with newly elected Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury at the Secretariat, Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said there was a good chance that the next parliamentary election would be held on December 27.
He also said the interim polls-time small cabinet was likely to be formed within the next 20 days with representatives from all parties currently in the parliament to oversee the next general election.
Meanwhile, Quader said the next general election might be held on December 27, but it will be fixed by the Election Commission not by any minister.
“Only Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would decide when the election-time government will be formed, when the election will be held and what will be the size of the election-time cabinet,” he said urging his party’s rank and file to stay within their respective areas.
Quader said his party will call for forging a national unity if needed ahead of the next general election.
“AL believes in peoples’ unity. If needed, we will call for national unity,” the Awami League leader said.
Claiming that Awami League is a big political party in the country, Quader said, “National unity concept without the Awami League is ridiculous.”
“There are 14 political parties in Awami League-led grand alliance. A national unity cannot be forged without these parties. Actually, a certain quarter is trying to forge a communal unity,” the AL general secretary said.
“Election means competition. It is not true that Awami League is going to participate in an uncompetitive election. National unity might be forged ahead of the upcoming general elections,” he said.
About BNP’s allegation of irregularities in elections, Quader said bringing allegations of vote rigging don’t suit in the face of BNP as the party has come to power in the past through rigging votes and using back doors.
AL doesn’t have any history of irregularities in the elections, he added.
Chaired by Obaidul Quader, organising secretary of the Rahshahi division Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Rajshahi mayor and district Awami League president AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, central leaders Asim Kumar Ukil, Abdus Sabur, Abdus Sobhan Golap, Biplab Barua and others attended the programme.
(Justnews/ys/2110hr)
