Election possible under Hasina government, says pro-BNP intellectual

Leading pro-BNP intellectual Emajuddin Ahamed has said the party can join general elections conducted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, but the army must play a major role in the polls to ensure it is free and fair.

“There is no problem (for BNP) to take part in elections accepting Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister. But she (Hasina) has to stop enjoying all state facilities and privileges and go by rules,” he said.

“Elections are possible under such an arrangement,” he told bdnews24.com.

The statement of Ahamed, a professor of political science and former vice-chancellor of the Dhaka University, came at a time when the BNP and its allies in the 20-Party coalition are agitating for a snap poll under a non-party caretaker administration.

But it was not yet clear whether Ahamed's views are entirely personal or enjoy tacit endorsement at the BNP's top echelons as a climbdown in case the government agrees to a dialogue.

Ahamed referred to recent elections in Sri Lanka and India which were held under the ruling party administration.

“The recent elections in Sri Lanka were held with Mahinda Rajapaksa as the president. And other political parties joined the polls.”

Ahamed, also the convenor of pro-BNP professionals’ forum Shata Nagarik, said: “The Sri Lanka example is very recent. In India too, elections were held under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s administration.

“I’m not saying these as a BNP man; I’m saying these as a political scientist.”

Earlier on Monday, Ahamed said in an interview with a Bangla daily: “BNP can join elections with Hasina remaining as the prime minister.”

Asked about his statement, he told bdnews24com: “There is a ‘but’ in the proposal. That is the Election Commission has to be strong and independent. It’s not possible for this Election Commission. Army has to play an independent role (in polls).”

He suggested holding of the polls ‘as early as possible’.

“The people did not take part in the last (parliamentary elections). The elections were completely one party. Had the 153 MPs elected (uncontested) any sense of shame, they would have resigned.”

“I think the national election should be organised as early as possible for peace and stability to return and the economy to pick up activities,” he added.

Over a hundred people were killed during the agitations by the BNP-led alliance before the Jan 5 polls to force the government to quit and pave the way for holding the elections under a caretaker administration.

The previous Sheikh Hasina government went ahead with the polls ignoring the demand.