JP seeks nomination extension

The Jatiya Party faction led by HM Ershad has demanded a 10-day extension of the deadline for the filing of nomination papers.

The party, which has joined the all-party interim polls-time government, made the demand a day before the deadline expires.

A 10-member Jatiya Party delegation, led by Presidium member Masud Parvez (Sohel Rana), met the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday, seeking the extension.

Ershad had, in fact, demanded more time immediately after the EC announced the poll schedule on Nov 25 with Jan 5 as the day of polling.

The other Jatiya Party demands include administrative reshuffle involving Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, giving the army judicial powers, ensuring the security of candidates, avoiding minor errors during nomination scrutiny, and letting the JP Chairman to address the nation on the television and radio.

Delegation member MM Faisal Chishti said they had demanded the extension because candidates feared for their security due to the Opposition-backed blockade.

The CEC would discuss with other commissioners and decide, he said.

The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance has been agitating to press for the holding of the election under the supervision of a non-party government. The alliance has threatened to boycott the election otherwise.

An Election Commissioner, requesting anonymity, told bdnews24.com they would not change the day of polling slated for Jan 5.

A decision will be made on Monday considering the overall situation, he said.

BNP urged the commission to wait for an understanding between the rival forces but CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said they had to announce the schedule to meet constitutional obligations.

He, however, later hinted that the schedule could be changed to accommodate the BNP following an understanding.

The commissioner said they would be flayed if they responded to the JP.

He also said they would not take any new decision if the Opposition did not join the polls.