BNP bangs Awami League's ‘doubts’ on talks with President

The BNP has said 'doubts' expressed by Awami League on its meeting with the president on the formation of the Election Commission reveals the government’s true intentions.

“Is it not clear what the government wants?” BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said asked at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Naya Paltan on Monday.

“The president himself welcomed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her delegation during the EC talks and described their remarks as 'constructive.”

Hours before the Bangabhaban talks on Sunday, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader raised doubts as to its usefulness.

“Today we saw a small ray of hope in these dark days of our democracy,” said Rizvi. “Of course the Awami League general secretary has his doubts about our efforts. But should we have an EC we can all rely on or one that will only please the ruling party?”

“Look at the 13-point proposal put forward by our Chairperson Khaleda Zia,” continued Rizvi. “Where does it say that someone pro-BNP has to be part of the EC?"

He said the BNP leadership has asked for an EC led by and comprising of reliable, impartial individuals who are acceptable to all.

"How does this violate the principles and ethics of a fair election? None of our proposals are provide us advantage at the expense of others. We are open to hearing recommendations from other parties as well.”

“If the ruling party is truly honest and has integrity, then they have to take into consideration the opinions of all when forming the search committee for a strong EC,” said Rizvi. “If, instead, they raise doubts and cast aspersions, it is their reputation that will be further tarnished.”