President Hamid calls on political parties to reach agreement for a credible election

President Abdul Hamid has said that reaching a consensus among the political parties is as crucial as forming an effective Election Commission for holding elections in a free and fair manner.

“Building consensus among the political parties is as crucial as forming a robust Election Commission to ensure a credible election,” Hamid said while talking to JSD delegations on Saturday.

The Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) delegation was at the Bangabhaban as part of the ongoing dialogue with political parties prior to forming a new Election Commission. The 10-member delegation was led by JSD President ASM Abdur Rob.

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh was also scheduled to meet with the president the same day but the talk has been rescheduled as the party’s chairperson AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury has fallen ill.

President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told reporters: “The president welcomed them and called for unity among political parties.”

JSD made a three-point proposal to the president over forming the new Election Commission.

 “JSD has suggested enacting a new law in order to skip the hassle of discussing with all political parties prior to forming an Election Commission every time,” he toldbdnews24.com.

“The president thanked JSD for the proposal and for participating in the dialogue,” he said.

The dialogue started on Dec 18 with BNP and will end on Jan 11 when the ruling Awami League delegation will meet the President.

The president will then form a search committee to select members of the new Election Commission that will take over from Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad commission, the tenure of which expires in February.