BNP to propose PM for talks on polls-time govt

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that his party will place a proposal on the election time supportive government to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urging her to hold a dialogue on the issue.

“We are not going to approach the president for the dialogue on the nation’s burning issue as he (president) has committed mistake on formation of the new Election Commission (EC),” Fakhrul said while briefing journalists at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

He said people are now talking about an election-time government as they strongly believe that no free, fair and inclusive parliamentary election will be held unless the non-party election time administration is restored.

“We'll send our proposal to the honourable prime minister with an urge to accept it. Otherwise, the prime minister will be held responsible for any unexpected situation,” Fakhrul said.

In reply to a question, Fakhrul said they are not thinking right now whether they will go to President Abdul Hamid with their proposal on the election time government.

People think an election-time supportive government is a must for holding the next general election in fair and impartial manner, he said.

Criticising the new Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Fakhrul said he (Huda) is not a capable person for the post.

“He's not that much qualified to be the chief election commissioner,” Fakhrul said.

Fakhrul also said that BNP will decide later whether the party will join the next general election under the new EC.

He, however, added that BNP will participate in the local polls under the newly formed EC.

‘BNP won’t apologise on Padma bridge issue’

Turning down the ruling Awami League’s demand for making apology supporting the World Bank corruption allegations in Padma Bridge project, Fakhrul said corruption is now prevailing everywhere in the country.

“Why BNP will make apology?  As a responsible party, BNP couldn't remain silent when the World Bank cancelled its deal raising corruption allegation in the Padma Bridge project.  We reacted rightly to it.”

In reply to a question, Fakhrul added: “Padma Bridge project is not the only sector where corruption is taking place. Widespread corruption is taking place everywhere in the country. Corruption has reached the peak in every sector.”

Ruling Awami League ministers and MPs on Sunday in parliament strongly criticised BNP and others for supporting WB on corruption allegations in the Padma Bridge project and sought apology from BNP and others as it is now proved false in a Canadian court.